Jackson awarded 2025 Alabama Sheriffs Association Sheriff of Year award

Published 10:41 am Friday, January 31, 2025

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By Staff Reports

Escambia County Sheriff Heath Jackson on Jan. 21 was awarded the 2025 Alabama Sheriffs Association Sheriff of the Year award, according to officials.

According to a release, the award was presented by Houston County Sheriff Donald Valenza, president of the sheriffs association, at the annual winter meeting in Hoover.

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The award is named after Robert “Bobby” Timmons who served the association as executive director for 37 years.

Jackson was nominated for his actions that occurred in 2023 when he rescued four people that had become stranded on Burnt Corn Creek in rising flood waters. The children were found clinging to tree limbs when Jackson rescued them with the aid of a jet ski, according to a release.

In his nomination letter, Jackson was also recognized for his leadership and service as the Escambia County sheriff.

Jackson is a graduate of T.R Miller High School, and was elected to his first term as sheriff in 2018 and reelected in 2022.

Jackson previously served with the Brewton Police Department, and the Escambia County Florida Sheriff’s Office.

He is a graduate of the National Sheriffs’ Institute and the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy and a FBI-LEDDA Trilogy Award winner.

In 2024, Jackson was awarded the Medal of Valor Award by the National Sheriffs’ Association. He is a member of the Brewton Rotary Club, where he serves as past president. Jackson also serves as the second vice president of the ASA.

Sheriff (Ret.) Huey Hoss Mack, executive director of the ASA said, “Sheriff Jackson not only serves his county, but is always eager to assist other Alabama sheriffs when called upon.”