FC Sheriff Shannon Oliver looks forward to another term

The job of a sheriff is always evolving and changing – something Franklin County Sheriff Shannon Oliver knows all too well. He has served as sheriff for eight years now and is approaching his third term in office without any opposition.

The June 5 primary election sailed by for Oliver without an opponent, leaving him free to focus on his job and family without the worries of a political race.

“It’s a good feeling. It was a blessing to not have to deal with running a campaign, doing my job and having family time all at once,” Oliver said.

Maintaining a healthy work and family life balance is important to him, Oliver said, and he has learned over the years how to pull both factions in as one.

“I don’t want my family to be out in the dark. I want them to have a clear understanding of what’s going on,” he said.

Having spent eight years as sheriff and 23 years total in law enforcement, Oliver has also grown close to the people he works with.

“My employees are special to me. They’re like my extended family,” he said.

He said he hopes to continue to be with his work family for years to come. “The job is trying sometimes, but it’s something I enjoy and will continue to enjoy as long as the people still want me here,” Oliver said.

Oliver explained he doesn’t want his job to become stale or something with which he becomes comfortable and lax. “I’m fully aware that every four years it’s up to the people whether I keep my job or not, and I hope to continue for a while,” he said.

Being sheriff is something Oliver wanted since he was little, but he admits there are aspects of the job he didn’t know would be so significant. The civil duties the sheriff and his department carry out is an area he said has grown over the years that he didn’t anticipate.

“A lot of people don’t know about the civil duties we carry out, like serving papers, evictions and guardianship,” Oliver said.

Aside from the civil duties, the department also handles patrol, the Franklin County Jail and services like issuing concealed carry pistol permits.

“Our objective is to help people,” Oliver said. “That’s the goal: to try to help as much as possible.”

That’s one reason he enjoys his job so much and got into law enforcement to begin with. He said he enjoys talking to and helping people, and he is happy to be able to continue to serve the people of Franklin County.