• 186 pages
• 6 x 9
• Softcover
• ISBN 978-1939710-659
• Copyright 2017

By Robert A. Russell

The creation of the sheriff dates back to the reign of Alfred the Great of England. Alfred divided England into shires, or counties. Nationally, the Office of Sheriff is the oldest law enforcement position and the only one filled through a popular vote. The sheriff was, and still is, the chief law enforcement officer in each shire or county. 

Lt. Robert Russell (retired) has written the first history of the Fayette County, Ohio, Sheriff's Office: the men who were elected to serve; the evolution of Fayette County and its law enforcement; biographies of these forty-three men; their lives before service and after; and selected incidents occurring during their terms in office. This work is the culmination of ten years of research, travel, and document collection. Fayette County's first sheriff assumed office in 1811, after the first elections were held in 1810, the year Fayette County was created.