Franklin County, News, Phil Campbell, Red Bay, Russellville
 By  Staff Reports Published 
3:31 pm Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Cantrell announces candidacy for sheriff

Russellville resident John Cantrell has announced his candidacy for the office of sheriff of Franklin County.

Russellville resident John Cantrell has announced his candidacy for the office of sheriff of Franklin County.

Russellville resident John Cantrell has announced his candidacy for the office of sheriff of Franklin County.

Cantrell is currently employed as an investigator with the Littleville Police Department and is a graduate of the Corrections Academy, and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Academy.

He said his law enforcement experience has prepared him to take on the role of sheriff.

“When the reward of committing crimes is greater than the risk, it’s time to try a different approach,” Cantrell said.

“I will work for change that implements appropriate punishment for offenders to ensure justice for our victims.

“Simply put, repeat offenders should be subjected to more severe penalties. We also need to take a different approach to the drug problem in our county.”

Cantrell grew up in Franklin County and is a graduate of Vina High School. He said this area and the people he has grown up with are important to him, so one of his goals as sheriff would be to get more involved locally.

“If elected, the sheriff’s office will be more involved with our schools and the communities,” Cantrell said.

“By using educational programs in our schools, we will fight to stop drug use before it starts and work together to take back our communities.”

Cantrell said he also wanted to provide a positive work environment that would ultimately lead to a more productive staff – all for the benefit of Franklin County’s citizens.

“I plan to offer our employee’s an incentive program that will be based on a performance evaluation system,” he said.

“This program will provide each employee with an opportunity to increase their wages. This program will be funded through pistol permit funds and will not affect the general fund.”

Cantrell and his wife, Regina, make their home in Russellville along with their two children, Landon and Xander. They attend First United Methodist Church in Russellville.

Cantrell is a member of the Russellville Civitans and the Police Benevolent Association.

“I feel that our communities need an honest sheriff, one that will work proactively and vigorously to ensure the highest quality public service,” Cantrell said.

“I ask for your support in the Republican primary election on June 3.”

Also on Franklin County Times
Main Street gets new director
Main, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
June 10, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — New Main Street Director Erica Childers said she hopes to build momentum downtown through community events, business cooperation and in...
Legion will dispose of old flags
Main, News, Russellville, ...
By Brady Petree For the FCT 
June 10, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — As Flag Day (June 14) approaches, officials are encouraging residents with dilapidated U.S. flags to dispose of them safely and properl...
Red Bay OKs website redesign
Main, News, Red Bay, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
June 10, 2026
RED BAY — Town Square Group will redesign the city’s website, a move officials said would improve communication with residents and visitors while help...
Grand jury charges 2 in child porn case
News, Russellville
Kevin Taylor For the FCT 
June 10, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — The next time Abigail Roberts enters a courtroom will be to say whether she is guilty or not guilty of charges ranging from first-degre...
Sentencing for Dowdy is set for Aug. 4
News, Russellville
By Brady Petree For the FCT 
June 10, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — Almost nine months after being convicted of manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide, Brandy Dowdy will finally learn how long sh...
Progress in education pays off for Alabama
Columnists, Opinion
June 10, 2026
Public education is powered by dedicated educators who believe in Alabama’s children — from the classroom teacher helping a student discover a love of...
Study club prepares for next chapter
Columnists, Opinion
HERE AND NOW
June 10, 2026
The May dinner meeting of Book Lovers Study Club featured guest speaker Cynthia Geis, GFWC Alabama North District director. Geis and I have been frien...
Bendall takes role in ‘Waiting for Godot’
News, Russellville
Chelsea Retherford For the FCT 
June 10, 2026
Konner Bendall has been chasing the stage since he first put on a Santa suit for a school program at seven years old. Now, the Russellville native is ...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *