Plott will not seek 8th term

By Staff
Jonathan Willis
Sitting inside a building that bears his name, Franklin County Sheriff Larry Plott announced Thursday that he would not seek re-election to his office.
The decision, Plott said, came after much thought and prayer.
When he was first elected in 1982 at the age of 29, he was the youngest sheriff ever elected in Alabama. In that race, he defeated former Sheriff U.R. Jarnigan and 12 other candidates.
Plott expressed gratitude for all of his current and former employees and said he believes the department is in good shape.
Though Plott will be best remembered for his lengthy role as sheriff, his service stretches far beyond that one position.
He has spent more than 40 years volunteering with local fire departments, police auxiliaries, fire and rescue squads and as a reserve deputy sheriff. The importance of his work fighting to stop European weapons dealers may never be known.
"In my role as sheriff, not only have I worked with other local agencies but helped other countries," he said. "As a representative of this department, I've worked with Scotland Yard three times and various other agencies on cases ranging from drug smuggling to a stolen first generation (military) toe missile.”
Looking back on his career, Plott said there were many people to thank.
"My heartfelt thanks goes to my family for going through these cases and political campaigns with me and to the people that have supported me through elections and prayers. When the people make their decision for the next sheriff, I hope and pray that they can do a better job than I have as sheriff.
Plott will leave office in January 2011 after a new sheriff is elected. Primary elections will be held in June and the general election will be in November.