A Legacy of Service: The History of the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office
The Mercer County Sheriff’s Office stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of law enforcement in the Mountain State. Established in 1837, just a few years before West Virginia gained its statehood, the department has been an integral part of the fabric and history of Mercer County for nearly two centuries. Through the challenges of the Civil War, the boom and bust of the coal industry, and the ever-evolving complexities of modern society, the department has remained a steadfast guardian of the community.
Early Days of Law Enforcement in Mercer County, WV
In the rugged terrain that was once Mercer County, West Virginia, the role of the Sheriff transcended the boundaries of modern law enforcement. These early pioneers of justice not only ensured the safety of the community but also assumed a wide array of responsibilities, acting as tax collectors, election overseers, and even mediators of disputes. The challenges they faced were daunting: limited resources, a vast and often treacherous landscape, and a rapidly growing population that tested the limits of their authority.
Despite these obstacles, the first Sheriffs of Mercer County demonstrated an unwavering commitment to their community. They forged a path through the wilderness, both literally and figuratively, establishing a tradition of dedication, resilience, and service that has become synonymous with the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office. Their legacy serves as a constant reminder that the pursuit of justice and the protection of the community are timeless values that transcend generations.
Evolution and Growth: Adapting to the Needs of a Changing County
As Mercer County grew and transformed, the Sheriff’s Office evolved to meet the community’s changing needs. It expanded from a small group of lawmen into a multi-faceted organization ready to address modern challenges.
Key milestones include the creation of specialized units:
Criminal Investigation Bureau
Detectives focus on investigating complex crimes, gathering evidence, and bringing offenders to justice.
SWAT Team
Highly trained officers respond to high-risk situations like hostage crises and active shooter incidents, ensuring safety for the community and fellow officers.
K9 Unit
Canine officers and handlers assist in search and rescue, narcotics detection, and suspect apprehension.
These additions, along with advancements in technology, training, and community outreach, show the office’s dedication to progress and its commitment to safeguarding the community.
Community Engagement: Building Partnerships for a Safer Mercer County
The Mercer County Sheriff’s Office understands that true safety comes from collaboration. Throughout its history, it has made community engagement a priority.
This commitment takes many forms:
Educational Programs
Deputies visit schools and community centers for educational events to teach residents about safety, crime prevention, and the role of law enforcement. These educational programs foster trust and understanding between officers and the community.
Neighborhood Watch Initiatives
Encouraging residents to be the eyes and ears of their neighborhoods, these programs empower citizens to take an active role in preventing crime.
Community Events
From National Night Out celebrations to holiday parades, the department participates in public events that bring people together, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for the well-being of the community.
These initiatives, along with countless other outreach efforts, demonstrate that the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office views itself not just as an enforcer of the law, but also as a partner in building a safer, more connected community.
Honoring Mercer County’s Sheriffs Through The Ages
Sheriffs from 1837—1856
| William Smith | 1837—1838 ( Appointed by Governor of Virginia) |
| John Davidson | 1839—1840 |
| John Brown | 1841—1842 |
| Robert Gore | 1843 |
| Elijah Peters | 1844—1846 |
| H. A. Walker | 1847—1848 |
| Cornelius White | 1849—1850 |
| Robert Hall | 1851 |
| Benjamin McNutt | 1852—1853 |
| Ralph Hale | 1854—1586 |
Sheriffs from 1857—1896
| John A. Pack | 1858-1860 |
| John A. Pack | 1860-1864 |
| Benjamin White | 1866-1870 |
| John T. Smith | 1870-1871 (Appointed in place of David Lilley) |
| George L. Karnes | 1872-1876 |
| John S. Carr | 1876-1880 |
| Joseph H. McClaugherty | 1880-1884 |
| George L. Karnes | 1884-1888 |
| James Anderson White | 1888-1892 |
| R. C. Dangerfield | 1892-1896 |
Sheriffs from 1896—1932
| J. E. T. Sentz | 1896-1900 |
| James Anderson White | 1900-1904 (murdered September 13, 1900) |
| L. B. Farley | 1904-1908 |
| James Ellison | 1908-1912 |
| W. W. Hamilton | 1912-1916 |
| W. J. Elliot | 1916-1920 |
| Bramwell Hunt | 1920-1924 |
| G. H. Crumpecker | 1924-1928 |
| James Otis Bowling | 1928-1932 |
Sheriffs from 1932—1976
| J. C. Fanning | 1932-1936 |
| G. H. Crumpecker | 1936-1940 |
| Sam Lambert | 1940-1944 |
| Perry L. Dye | 1944-1948 |
| Clarence Elmore | 1948-1952 |
| Perry L. Dye | 1952-1956 |
| Clyde White | 1956-1960 |
| E. D. Bazzie | 1960-1964 |
| Homer Ball | 1964-1968 |
| Winfrey Shrewsbury | 1968-1972 |
Sheriffs from 1972—2028
| John I. “Jack” Scott | 1972-1976 |
| Earl Kendrick | 1976-1980 |
| Donald Hare | 1980-1988 (served two consecutive terms) |
| Don B. Meadows | 1988-1996 (served two consecutive terms) |
| Harold L. Buckner | 1996-2004 |
| Danny R. Wills | 2005-2009 (elected to second term, but unable to complete) |
| Don B. Meadows | 2009-2012 (appointed to replace Danny Wills until election) |
| Don B. Meadows | 2013-2016 |
| Tommy Bailey | 2017-2024 (served two consecutive terms) |
| Alan Christian | 2025-2028 |
Today’s Mercer County Sheriff’s Office: Embracing Innovation, Upholding Tradition
The Mercer County Sheriff’s Office continues its legacy of service by blending time-honored values with modern strategies. We harness cutting-edge technology and embrace innovative approaches to confront the complexities of 21st-century law enforcement, ensuring the safety and security of all Mercer County residents.
Our unwavering commitments:
- Protecting lives and property: Safeguarding our community remains our paramount duty. We achieve this through proactive patrols, rapid response to emergencies, and thorough investigations.
- Maintaining a safe environment: We strive to create an atmosphere where everyone feels secure and protected, free from the fear of crime and violence.
- Building trust within the community: We believe in open communication, transparency, and collaboration. We foster positive relationships with residents through community policing initiatives and outreach programs.
We encourage you to visit more of our website to learn more about:
- Current initiatives: Discover how we’re tackling today’s challenges and striving to make Mercer County even safer.
- Department divisions: Get to know the specialized units and teams that contribute to our comprehensive approach to law enforcement.
- Dedicated personnel: Meet the men and women who proudly serve our community, upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
Join us in building a stronger, safer, and more vibrant Mercer County. Together, we can ensure a brighter future for all.