Sheriff-elect joins staff prior to taking over
Jackson begins new role at sheriff's office
Heath Jackson won't officially become Escambia County's sheriff until Jan. 15, 2019, but the sheriff-elect joined the Alabama sheriff's office on Dec. 1, in a move out-going Sheriff Grover Smith said was in the best interest of Jackson and the residents of the county.
"When I first took the oath of office to be sheriff I took an oath to provide the best safety I could for the citizens of Escambia County," Sheriff Smith said. "I think part of that responsibility is to prepare him to be a success instead of waiting until Jan. 15 when he takes office."
"It's not a hard decision," Smith said. "It'...