DALLAS COUNTY, Ala. (WSFA) – As Dallas County voters prepare to head to the polls on May 19, the race for Sheriff is entering its final days.
The election comes as longtime Sheriff Mike Grantham prepares to retire after years of leading the department. Two candidates — Willie Calhoun Jr. and Dewayne Sanders — are now asking voters to trust them with becoming the county’s next top law enforcement officer.
Both candidates bring decades of experience in law enforcement and say public safety, community relationships, and continuing the progress already made within the sheriff’s department are among their top priorities.
Willie Calhoun Jr.
Candidate Willie Calhoun Jr. says he has spent more than 21 years in law enforcement.
According to Calhoun, he worked 14 years with the Selma Police Department before spending the last seven years with the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department. He currently oversees criminal investigations and narcotics within the department.
Calhoun says his experience includes narcotics investigations, patrol operations, SWAT, sniper training, firearms instruction, and criminal investigations.
“I’m the only guy that’s actively in law enforcement,” Calhoun said during an interview with WSFA 12 News. “I currently run a criminal investigation division where I oversee several guys doing criminal investigations and narcotics.”
Calhoun says one of his goals would be continuing the foundation already laid by Sheriff Mike Grantham while working to further reduce crime across the county.
“The sheriff has laid a good foundation,” Calhoun said. “It’s something to go forth with and move the department forward.”
He also emphasized transparency and accountability if elected.
“I promise service, integrity, and justice at all times,” he said. “Also transparency.”
Calhoun says his campaign has focused heavily on meeting voters across Dallas County, noting the county’s large geographic size can make outreach challenging.
“Dallas County has 950 square miles, so it’s hard to reach everybody,” he said.
Dewayne Sanders
Candidate Dewayne Sanders says he has nearly 30 years of experience in law enforcement.
Sanders says he spent more than 24 years with the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department and also served as an Alabama State Trooper. His experience also includes work in patrol, criminal investigations, court security, jail operations, code enforcement, and 911 communications.
After retiring from the Alabama State Troopers, Sanders says he realized how much he missed serving the public and later returned to work within the sheriff’s department.
“I decided how much I missed it,” Sanders said. “So I decided to come back and work for the Sheriff of Dallas County and continue to serve the people of Dallas County.”
Sanders says community policing and building stronger relationships with residents would be a major focus of his administration if elected sheriff.
“Building good relationships with the community,” Sanders said. “Work with the community leaders and try to bring organizations in to help some of our young people.”
He also says he would focus on increasing training opportunities for deputies, hiring additional deputies, upgrading technology, and holding more community meetings throughout the county.
“A safe tomorrow begins today,” Sanders said. “We’re going to work on keeping the community safe.”
Sanders also says mentorship programs and outreach to young people could help steer youth away from crime and toward positive opportunities.
Election Day Information
Election Day for the Dallas County Sheriff’s race is May 19.
Voters can cast ballots at the precinct where they normally vote within Dallas County.
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