Sheriff Kenny Harden has announced he will seek a fourth term as Butler County’s top law enforcement officer during the 2018 election.

Nominated for the Alabama Legislative Medal of Honor for Law Enforcement in 2013, Harden said that he has increased the number of deputies in the department since his first term and makes sure they are a visible presence in the county.

“We patrol 24 hours a day,” Harden said. “Crime has decreased during my three terms and in 2015 we were named the safest county in Alabama.”

Harden has helped maintain a drug taskforce in the county during his tenure as well as a new jail.

With more than 40 years of law enforcement experience, he is the vice chairman of the Butler County Emergency Communications District, District 7 director for the Alabama Sheriffs Association and is a member of the National Sheriffs Association, as well as the Alabama Peace Officers Association and the Children’s Policy Council of Butler County.

Harden is also a board member of Safe Harbor and the vice president of the Butler County Cattlemen’s Association.

“I have always maintained an open-door policy for all citizens of Butler County,” Harden said.

“I have a good working relationship with the Butler County Commission and have worked within my budget.

“During my time as sheriff, we have put the Project Lifesaver and Yellow Dot programs in place and we have utilized inmates of the Butler County Jail to clean up our county roads. We have also gone to great lengths to maintain a strong working relationship with local agencies around us, as well as those at the state level.”

Harden said with the support of local citizens, he hopes to continue making Butler County a better place to live and work.

“Together, we have made a difference for a better Butler County,” he said. “Your continued support and vote is greatly appreciated.”