A lifelong resident of West Virginia, Alan P. Christian has called Mercer County home since 1972. A proud graduate of Princeton Senior High School, Class of 1987, Alan enlisted in the United States Army in 1986, joining the Delayed Entry Program. He reported to basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, in May 1987 and continued advanced technical training at Fort Eustis, Virginia. There, he specialized in helicopter maintenance and repair for the AH-1 Cobra Attack Helicopter. After completing his training, Alan was stationed at Fort Ord, California, until his honorable discharge in July 1991.
During his four-year enlistment, Alan earned several awards, including the Combat Service Medal for his participation in Operation Just Cause during the invasion of Panama.
Following his military service, Alan returned to Princeton, West Virginia, and in 1996, joined the Princeton Police Department. He completed the West Virginia State Police 99th Basic Class in 1997, setting the foundation for his law enforcement career. In October 1999, he tested for and successfully joined the West Virginia State Police, graduating from the 49th Cadet Class. While there, Alan earned an Associate Degree in Police Science from Marshall University and was voted Most Outstanding Officer by his peers.
Over the course of his 22-year career with the West Virginia State Police, Alan worked in several counties across southern West Virginia, including Raleigh, Wyoming, Greenbrier, Monroe, McDowell, and Mercer counties. In 2012, he was promoted to Sergeant and began operating out of McDowell County. In 2017, he transferred to the Princeton Detachment as Assistant Detachment Commander, a role he held until being appointed Detachment Commander in July 2021. Alan retired from the State Police in August 2021 after an illustrious career.
Soon after retiring, Alan was appointed Chief Deputy of the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department. In this new role, his focus has been on enhancing the department’s administrative structure, recruiting new personnel, acquiring essential equipment, and implementing programs that serve both the community and the deputies who protect it. Throughout his law enforcement career, Alan has received extensive training, from road patrol tactics to homicide investigations. He has led investigations into a wide range of cases, including misdemeanors, violent felonies, kidnappings, and murders.
In 2024, Alan ran unopposed and was elected Sheriff of Mercer County, a testament to his commitment to public safety and the trust the community has in his leadership. As Sheriff, Alan continues to focus on ensuring the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department provides effective, responsive service to the public while supporting the deputies who serve alongside him.
