Oliver, Shackelford bring more than 66 years’ law enforcement experience to sheriff’s race

With more than 66 years in law enforcement between them, Franklin County Sheriff Shannon Oliver and his opponent, Brian ‘Spanky’ Shackelford, both bring extensive experience and maturity to offer the people of Franklin County.

Oliver and Shackelford will face each other in the May 19, 2026, Republican Primary. With no Democratic candidate, the winner of next Tuesday’s race will take over as Franklin County Sheriff in November.

Oliver is seeking a fifth term in office, a rare accomplishment in local politics, while this is Shackelford’s first run at public office.

After graduating from Russellville High School and then the Northeast Alabama Police Academy, Oliver was hired by then-Sheriff Larry Plott as a jailer.

He would become a deputy in a short time, where he would remain until 2005, when he joined the Russellville Police Department, ascending to Captain before he was elected Sheriff in 2011.

Shackelford’s law enforcement path started in 1995 with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. 30 months later, he was hired as a Phil Campbell police officer until moving to the Russellville Police Department, where he ascended to lieutenant before retiring.

Shackelford has also worked as a Bear Creek Development Authority officer, a School Resource Officer, a Northwest Shoals Community College officer and as an EMT for 30 years. He also volunteered with the Franklin County Dive Team for two decades.

This is Shackelford’s first run at elected office.

If successful on May 19th, Shackelford said he would bring fresh motivation and insight to the Sheriff’s Office.

At the recent candidate roundtable, Shackelford said the biggest challenge facing the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office is staffing.

“Staffing in all areas has become challenging, especially law enforcement because you can’t just hire anyone,” Shackelford said.

His administration would revolve around a familiar concept.

“My approach will be one of teamwork—trying to build a team. You have a team in the jail, a team of deputies on the road and they’re going to be treated differently even though they’re all part of a team,” Shackelford said.

Areas of immediate priority for Shackelford as sheriff include reducing overall crime and combating drug-related offenses.

Shackelford said he’s heard concerns from Franklin County citizens about the Sheriff’s Office havingslow response times, poor communication with victims and/or families and ‘a lack of knowledge regarding personal rights and privacy.’

“As law enforcement, we must maintain community trust by understanding and defending the rights of all citizens. It is my pledge to run a proactive, and not reactive, Sheriff’s Office,” Shackelford said.

For Oliver, even with 15 years’ experience as sheriff, his passion to work every day to improve Franklin County remains as strong as it was when his law enforcement career began.

“I love the people of Franklin County. I’m not one to take off work. I’m on the job every day and i still enjoy what I do,” Oliver said.

During Oliver’s tenure, thedrug task force was recreated and funded largely through Oliver’s efforts. This is something Oliver pledged to do when he first ran, he said.

Polls will be open Tuesday, May 19th, from 7-7 in Franklin County.