Left to right: Don Newton, FOP Lodge 50 Vice President; St. Clair County Assistant Sheriff Billy Murray; Phil Watson, FOP Lodge 50 President.

Billy J. Murray has officially been endorsed for Sheriff by the St. Clair County Fraternal Order Of Police (FOP) Lodge 50. 

According to Sgt. Don Newton, Vice President of the local FOP Lodge and Pell City Police Department Public Information Officer, the organization voted unanimously in their meeting on August 8 to endorse Murray.

Currently the St. Clair County Assistant Sheriff, Murray announced his intention to seek the office on July 18.  

“We have only had that many members at our meeting one other time in the past ten years,” said Phil Watson, President of FOP Lodge 50. “Obviously, our membership wanted to make it clear, as reflected by the unusual attendance and the unanimous vote, that we believe Assistant Sheriff Murray has the integrity, maturity, training and experience necessary to lead the Sheriff’s Office as we strive to constantly improve our service to our citizens.”  

Beginning his law enforcement career as a Police Officer, Murray became a Deputy, then Investigator in St. Clair County. Next advancing to Captain before Undersheriff, he presently holds the position of Assistant Sheriff of St. Clair County.  

Murray is a FBI-certified Hostage Negotiator and graduate of the FBI National Academy.  He served for several years as the SWAT team leader and is currently their Commander. He also serves on a number of boards in the community including the St. Clair Hospital Authority.  

”He (Murray) and I have worked together for several years on details ranging from routine meeting and event planning (he is a stickler for detail) to emotionally charged, life threatening situations,” Watson continued. “In every instance I have found him to be calm, analytical and decisive.  His demeanor and actions in these intense situations has saved lives. I look forward to my friend and colleague becoming our Sheriff.”