Gerald Dedeaux

Hello, I am Gerald Dedeaux and I am a candidate for Fayette County Sheriff. I have been a resident of Fayette County for over 30 years. I am married to Diane (Norris) Dedeaux, and we have five beautiful children, Kyle, Dakota, Sydney, Raven, and Kara. We reside in Berry, and I have worked for the Berry Police Department for over 21 years, serving as Chief of Police for the last nine years. I obtained certification as a Police Officer for the State of Alabama in July 2000.

In the time I have been in law enforcement, I have completed over 750 hours of officer training in a multitude of specific areas related to but not limited to patrol, investigations, and narcotics enforcement, to mention a few. Since being appointed Chief of the Berry Police Department in August 2012, I have completed over 300 hours of Executive Level Law Enforcement training in areas such as Legal Issues and Liability Management, Community Policing, Managing Multiple Priorities, Managing Conflict, to name a few. In August 2018 I obtained certification as a Certified Law Enforcement Executive in Alabama. Also, in August 2018 I received my Certificate in Police Management through The Alabama Police Officers Standards Training Commission and The University Partnership of Alabama.

I have 25 years of combined military experience with the U.S. Air Force, 823rd REDHORSE (1986-1990), and the Alabama Army National Guard (2000-present). I have completed 3 combat tours of duty, 2003, 2009-2010, and 2020-2021. I currently hold the rank of First Sergeant (E8), with the 168th Engineer Construction Company in Fayette. I am a graduate of the U.S. Army’s Basic, Advanced, Senior, and Master Leader Courses.

Policing in America started as a partnership with the community. The advances in technology have slowly taken police in America away from that community partnership and taken on the “us versus them” mentality. I believe it is time to bring that partnership with the community back and abolish the “us versus them” mentality to better our communities and citizens. If we all work together, we can make our county a better and safer place for its citizens and visitors.

If elected Fayette County Sheriff: The Fayette County Sheriff’s Department will be made up of men and women who desire to serve their community and improve its quality of life. Our focus will be on being a partner with the community to fight crime. Be constitutionally dedicated to the protection of individuals’ rights and safety. Committed to operational transparency and accountability. Dedicated to providing resources and implementing strategic plans to address current crime trends such as the increase in drug distribution, drug abuse, and thefts. Collaborate joint training with local and state law enforcement agencies in all county schools.

Conservatively manage your tax dollars to provide our county with the best trained and equipped deputies and corrections officers possible. Implement Policy and Procedures and Guidelines/Standards for all personnel employed with the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department and Fayette County Jail. Fayette County Sheriff’s Department and Fayette County Jail employees will be required to pass a written examination, successfully demonstrate adaptability, reasoning skills, understanding of law enforcement duties and requirements, and present leadership qualities before being placed in a supervisory position. All personnel will be required to attend training in various classes throughout each year that will enable them to serve our community better. A well-trained employee is vital not only to the department but also to the community.

All Sheriff’s Department vehicles will be appropriately marked and equipped with the necessary safety and administrative equipment to enable employees to do their job in a safe, timely, and more efficient manner, vehicles will be inspected weekly and kept well maintained. Those incarcerated in or visiting the Fayette County Jail will be treated fairly. The jail will be clean, and safe and the staff will be courteous. This standard will be adhered to. Training will be provided for deputies and corrections officers to help identify and deal with those who suffer from mental illness. This training will enable employees to assess and, whenever possible, divert such individuals to mental health facilities that will provide them with the care they need instead of just locking them in jail. The Sheriff is a duly elected official who has Constitutional obligations as well as the obligation to defend your rights, liberties, and safety. The citizens of Fayette County deserve such a Sheriff with equal passion.

These are just a few priorities that will be addressed if elected Fayette County Sheriff. My focus will be on enforcing the law fairly and equally, maintaining a well-run jail, attending courts, maintaining a well-trained, disciplined, and courteous staff, conducting search and rescues, serving civil processes, assisting other agencies, and defending your liberties as defined by the Alabama Constitution.
I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible to discuss my qualifications and hear what priorities or concerns you may have for your Sheriff’s Department. Together, we can make a difference in the Sheriff’s Department and our communities.