Darrell Collins Launches Bid for Calhoun County Sheriff, Vows Day-One Focus on Safety and Morale
"We will make it undesirable for criminals to continue their business as usual. We will hunt criminals, they will go to jail, and we will protect families. That effort begins on Day One." - Darrell Collins
Darrell Collins, a 30-year law enforcement veteran, formally announced his candidacy for Calhoun County Sheriff on Saturday, promising to prioritize public safety, rebuild deputy morale, and instill strong leadership from the outset.
Speaking before family, friends, and former colleagues, Collins thanked God, his wife Kim, and their children, Ethan and Emma Grace. "You guys are my peace of mind, my all, my center," he said. "Thank you for allowing me to do this."Collins highlighted his deep Alabama roots in public service. His father was an investigator for the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office, his grandfather an Alabama State Trooper, and a relative served four terms as Jackson County Sheriff. "Public safety is in my blood. It’s where I belong," Collins declared, reflecting on a career starting at age 18.
His extensive resume includes roles as Fort Payne Police Officer, School Resource Officer, Sergeant, Alabama State Trooper, State Bureau of Investigation Special Agent and SWAT member, and Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office Investigator. Now retired from public service, he works as a Senior Security Representative for BAE Systems while serving as a firearms instructor and church security leader.
Collins pledged to address the Sheriff's Office's challenges head-on. "The Sheriff’s Office has lost too many talented deputies because of the current culture," he said. "We will rebuild that culture through leadership and mentorship. Deputies need to know their leadership has their back when they’re right and will hold them accountable when they’re wrong. I will not tolerate corruption or laziness."
His platform emphasizes sustained leadership training, career advancement, and community trust. "If I have to send someone to the Police Academy, my intention is for them to retire here in a leadership position," Collins stated. "We will make leaders."
On public safety, he warned of areas where residents feel unsafe at home. "That ends when I’m Sheriff. We will make it undesirable for criminals to continue their business as usual. We will hunt criminals, they will go to jail, and we will protect families. That effort begins on Day One."
Faith guides his campaign, closing with Isaiah 6:8: "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here I am. Send me.’"Collins called for community support through prayer and volunteering. "This is a marathon, not a sprint. Together, we can make Calhoun County a safer, stronger place."
Collins and his wife Kim, live in Choccolocco with their children, Ethan and Emma Grace. The family is deeply active in their church and the Calhoun County community, with faith and family values at the heart of his campaign. Visit www.CollinsForSheriff.com or Facebook @DarrellCollinsForSheriff for details.
