Autauga County Sheriff Joe Sedinger dies weeks before third term to begin
PRATTVILLE AL December 27 2022 — Autauga County Sheriff Joe Sedinger died Monday night after a brief battle with cancer.
Chief Deputy Dave Hill confirmed his passing.
The popular lawman had just been elected to his third term, set to begin Jan. 16.
Sedinger was diagnosed with cancer in early December and had begun an aggressive treatment regimen. He never publicly disclosed what type of cancer it was.
He worked with the sheriff’s department for more than 22 years, working his way up through the ranks, before being elected to top cop eight years ago. He paid his own way through the police academy. He worked in every division, except narcotics, starting off as a “road” deputy on patrol. He worked his way to chief deputy, second in command, under former Sheriff Herbie Johnson.
Johnson supported Sedinger for sheriff when he retired from the office after serving 24 years.
“I hired Joe as a young deputy,” Johnson said, saying his death was a sad day for Autauga County and a sad day for law enforcement. “Joe was a good officer, one of the best I ever worked with. He could handle anything. But more important he was a good, good man. He had a fine family and he served Autauga County well.
“I just hate this.”
What happens now is unclear. By state law the county coroner, Buster Barber, takes over as sheriff until the governor makes an appointment. Given that the term has not officially begun, Gov. Kay Ivey could call a special election.
