LIMESTONE COUNTY, Ala. — Limestone County has a new sheriff. Governor Kay Ivey announced the appointment on Sept. 1. Limestone County Coroner Mike West has been serving as interim Sheriff since former sheriff Mike Blakely was convicted on two felony counts in August. Governor Ivey says:
“Joshua McLaughlin not only embodies the best qualities of a dedicated member of law enforcement, but also that of someone who is committed to serving their community, being a man of faith and of his family. I am proud to appoint Mr. McLaughlin to serve as Limestone County Sheriff,” Governor Ivey said. “He believes, first and foremost, in protecting his community, the rule of law and the rights of others. Throughout his career in law enforcement, he has proven to be an advocate for personal accountability, but also a believer in second chances.”
Mr. McLaughlin currently serves as the chief investigator in the Limestone County District Attorney’s Office, giving him wide-ranging experience in prosecuting criminal offenses. Before beginning in the DA’s Office in April 2014, Mr. McLaughlin has prior experience in the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office working as a Lieutenant Narcotics Investigator. He also is involved in various community and state outreach, including serving on the CASA of North Alabama Board of Directors, the executive committee of the Alabama District Attorney Investigators Association, the Independent Shooting Review Advisory Council and is a Sunday school teacher and children’s ministry leader at Lindsay Lane Baptist Church.
“The people of Limestone County deserve to have total confidence and trust in their elected officials, and I am confident that will be restored with Joshua McLaughlin,” Governor Ivey added.
McLaughlin issued the following statement regarding his appointment:
"I am thankful to Governor Kay Ivey for the great honor of being chosen to serve the people of Limestone County as Sheriff. Many qualified candidates applied for the position, and I am grateful for their commitment to the safety of our community. I am fortunate to be inheriting a department full of talented officers and professional staff. I am blessed with the opportunity to build on the successes of the past, to create a modern Sheriff’s Department equipped for the future. To the citizens of Limestone County, I pledge always to put your safety and security first and to fairly and equally enforce the rule of law."
Mr. McLaughlin will serve out the remainder of former sheriff Mike Blakely's term. His appointment is effective immediately.
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