By Gary Lloyd
JEFFERSON COUNTY — The Jefferson County Police Chiefs Association has officially endorsed candidate Brett King in the Alabama Senate District 17 Republican primary runoff to be held July 15.
Speaking on behalf of President A.C. Roper, the association’s spokesman Mike Walker said, “The Jefferson County Police Chiefs Association has endorsed Brett King in the Republican runoff. We need leaders representing us in Montgomery who are informed on the issues facing our criminal justice system, and who are willing to make the hard decisions necessary to ensure the safety of the public and to correct the problems in the state prison system that directly affect us all.”
King, an attorney and businessman from Locust Fork, said receiving the endorsement means a great deal to him.
“I am honored beyond measure to have been endorsed by the brave men and women across Jefferson County who selflessly serve our communities in law enforcement,” King said in a statement. “These officers put their own safety on the line every single day to keep our families and loved ones safe and protect our towns and cities from those who wish to do us harm. Knowing that these men and women of law enforcement have chosen to stand behind me and support my campaign means more to me than I could ever put into words. I am grateful for the endorsement and support of the Jefferson County Police Chiefs Association.”
King will face off with Trussville businessman Shay Shelnutt in the July 15 runoff.
When all 51 precincts were reported in the June 3 Republican primary, Shelnutt totaled 7,475 votes and King had accumulated 6,566. Jim Murphree totaled 2,081 votes, Gayle Gear had 1,759, Jim Roberts had 1,698, Pinson City Councilman Joe Cochran totaled 1,466 and Adam Ritch had 744.
District 17 includes parts of Blount, Jefferson, St. Clair and Talladega counties.
Contact Gary Lloyd at news@trussvilletribune.com and follow him on Twitter @GaryALloyd.