Paying Tribute to a Hero–Sheriff Larry Amerson (1953-2020)

With a heavy heart we announce the passing of ret. Sheriff Larry Amerson (Calhoun County, AL).  Sheriff Amerson passed away December 3, 2020, after a valiant battle with cancer.

Sheriff Amerson was a six term sheriff in Calhoun County, who strongly supported

Former Sheriff Larry Amerson, Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office AL

jails and was instrumental in getting legal-based jail guidelines in Alabama.  As president of the National Sheriffs’ Association 2012-2013, he outlined and implemented a plan to put jails back on the map and helped renew focus on jails and the critical need for the highest quality of legal-based jail training.  He was the first sheriff in the country to earn CJE (Certified Jail Executive) and NCCE (National Certified Corrections Executive) certifications and was awarded the NIJO Executive Director Award in 2017 for his lifetime of service and dedication to the profession.

“If you were blessed enough to have known Sheriff Amerson, you will be the first to admit you are a better person for it, said NIJO Executive Director, Tate McCotter.  “On a personal level, there are no words that can adequately express his lasting influence. Sheriff Amerson was a gentle giant, servant to all, friend and mentor. Beyond gifted speech, he walked the walk with humility and conviction in purpose which was grounded in his faith. I am extremely grateful to be able to have associated with him and his good wife Lisa. I hope in some way to be able to continue the work he passionately dedicated his life to accomplish. Sheriff, thank you for your life of service. We love and appreciate you!”

The entire NIJO team expresses our deepest sympathies and send our thoughts and prayers to the Amerson family at this difficult time.  We are grateful to have known Sheriff Amerson and thank you for sharing his time and talents with us.

A private service for Sheriff Amerson will be December 5 at 2:00 p.m. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church.  The service will be livestreamed for all to watch from Mt. Zion Baptist Church’s Facebook pageAnniston Memorial Funeral Home is handling the arrangements and can help with sending flowers if you wish.

Sheriff Amerson’s Obituary

 

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