Special to the
Opelika Observer
Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones received the ‘Robert D. Timmons Alabama’s Sheriff of the Year’ award during last Tuesday night’s Alabama Sheriff’s Association winter conference in Montgomery.
According to the association’s website, the award is given to a sheriff who demonstrates professionalism, dedication and superb leadership while serving and protecting his community.
Jones said his reception of the recognition would not have been possible without the help of his invaluable staff and team.
“It is very humbling to be recognized by people who do the same thing you do day in and day out. That to me is singularly significant in regards to receiving this award … an honor beyond words,” Jones said. “The only way that I personally believe I could be capable of receiving such an award is because of the staff and all the employees here at the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.”
Jones began his career with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office in 1975 as a student at Auburn University, and was first elected sheriff in 1998. He is currently serving in his fourth term in office.
In addition to law enforcement, Jones works as an adjunct instructor of Criminal Justice at Auburn University and Southern Union Community College in Opelika.