Former Perry County Chief Deputy will hold office through 2026, when next election for full term is set
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has appointed longtime law enforcement officer Roy Fikes to serve as the next Sheriff of Perry County, stepping into a role recently vacated by Sheriff Billy Jones, whose departure from office earlier this year sparked much speculation on who the county’s next sheriff would be. Ivey made the announcement, along with a slate of appointments to other offices and boards throughout the state, in a press release last week.
Fikes, a native of Perry County with more than 30 years of law enforcement experience, was officially named to the position on Thursday, April 3, according to the release from the Governor’s Office. He will replace acting sheriff Quinton Jones, who had assumed the role following Sheriff Billy Jones’ resignation.
In her statement, Ivey praised Fikes’ decades of service, including 22 years with the Perry County Sheriff’s Office and time spent as a campus security officer at Marion Military Institute.
“Sheriff Roy Fikes is not only a veteran law enforcement officer of three decades, but he knows well the people of Perry County and the needs of their communities,” Ivey said. “He will hit the ground running to ensure the public is protected and the law will be enforced fairly and equally.”
Fikes, who previously served as Perry County’s Chief Deputy, resigned in 2023 to run for Probate Judge, a race he lost in the March 2024 Democratic primary to current Probate Judge Carlton Hogue. Later that year, Fikes sought to be reinstated or compensated, alleging wrongful termination and workplace discrimination, including retaliation for his candidacy. At the time, Perry County Commission Chairman Albert Turner Jr. dismissed the claims as “sour grapes” and publicly stated Fikes “needs to seek employment elsewhere.”
Turner had suggested in a Facebook post on March 15 that former Sheriff James Hood would be the next appointee, saying he and others had sent letters urging Ivey to select Hood. Turner also said in that post that appointing veteran state law enforcement agent Susan Smith would lead the County Commission to consider slashing the Department’s budget.
In his public response to the appointment, Fikes emphasized rebuilding trust and accountability.
“This is more than just a title—it is a responsibility I take to heart,” Fikes said. “I am committed to restoring trust, ensuring transparency, and working hand-in-hand with our community to create a safer, stronger Perry County. My focus is on accountability, service and making sure every resident knows that their sheriff’s office is here to serve them with integrity and respect.”
Fikes is expected to be sworn in within the coming weeks. The position of sheriff will be up for election in 2026, and several candidates are expected to enter the race.
