Pike County Sheriff Russell Thomas was sworn in as President of the Alabama Peace Officers Association at the group’s recent annual summer conference.

“I appreciate the opportunity and the honor to serve as president of the association,” Thomas said, noting he thanked Judge William Hightower for administering his oath and giving the keynote speech at the group’s banquet.

The APOA is now in its 80th year and is made up of all levels of law enforcement in the state – including federal, state, county and city officers.

“The friendships I have made throughout my years of being involved [with the APOA] have been so valuable and helpful in my career because we are all faced with the same problems,” Thomas said.

“This association helps and aids by bringing all levels of law enforcement together and by bridging agencies…to form partnerships with one another to find answers and solutions.”

The APOA boasts more than 4,101 members and offers training sessions throughout the state of Alabama. The organization also takes an active role in the state’s legislative process.

“As law enforcement officers, we must continue to train and stay current to face the many challenges we are faced with in our chosen professions,” Thomas said.

“We must network on the federal, state, county and city levels to combat crimes and maximize our ability to solve crimes and to be as effective and efficient as possible each and every day.”