Last week, the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association hosted its annual business conference.

According to Eddie Caldwell, the executive vice president of and general counsel for the N.C. Sheriffs’ Association, the group hosted sheriffs, personnel from sheriff’s offices and their families from across North Carolina.

Each year, the conference allows sheriffs and their personnel to gather for training classes, panel discussions, networking and more. Training classes and panel discussions cover a variety of law-enforcement issues. This year, topics included emerging trends in the fentanyl crisis and how the influence of Mexican drug cartels is affecting our southern border. Attendees also had the opportunity to hear presentations from guest speakers and attend various association meetings during the conference.

The N.C. Sheriffs’ Association also elects new association officers each year at the annual business conference. This year’s elections resulted in five sheriffs being elected to new offices. They are:

·         President – Sheriff Mike Roberson, Chatham County;

·         First Vice President – Sheriff Ricky Buchanan, McDowell County;

·         Second Vice President – Sheriff Clee Atkinson, Edgecombe County;

·         Third Vice President – Sheriff Jeff Crisco, Stanly County;

·         and Secretary – Sheriff Joey Lemons, Stokes County.

The outgoing president, Sheriff Darren Campbell of Iredell County, will transition to the role of chairman of the executive committee. Sheriff Van Shaw of Cabarrus County was re-elected as treasurer.

“I am truly honored to have been elected by my peers to serve as president of the association,” Roberson said. “It’s a privilege to represent and support my fellow sheriffs in the coming year. The association’s annual business conference is a valuable opportunity for us to come together, share our experiences and learn from each other. Through our collaborative efforts, we are committed to continually enhancing the service we provide to our communities.”

Founded in 1922, the N.C. Sheriffs’ Association is a statewide not-for-profit professional and educational organization of the state’s 100 sheriffs. Through the association, sheriffs work to strengthen the law enforcement profession and services their offices provide to the people of North Carolina.