Command Staff
Chief Deputy Alan Host joined the Morgan County Sheriff's office in 2014. Chief Host has experience working in various church roles and with the Hartselle Police Department, where he worked his way up to the rank of Lieutenant. Along the way, he obtained his Police Science degree from Wallace State and provides wisdom on how to handle difficult situations and people. His focus is teaching, mainly in how he conducts himself and treats others. At the Sheriff's Office, he served as a made Field Training Officer, then was promoted to Corporal and then to Sergeant in 2019. In 2020 he was promoted to Chief Deputy by Sheriff Ron Puckett to assist him in running the sheriff's office. Chief Host has received training in executive management with the Alabama Sheriff's Association, in hostage negotiations as well as other training that keeps him current and educated in the various areas that he oversees. He is also a firearms instructor and a Glock Armorer. Although Chief Host stepped out of law enforcement to go into full-time ministry in 1999, he never left the law enforcement/first responder family. He stayed on as chaplain to both Hartselle PD & Fire but mostly as a close friend who was always available to listen to, advise & encourage. When he joined the Sheriff's office in 2014 one of his goals was to bring unity among all the local departments. He understood what it meant to be a part of a law enforcement family but often that family must depend on help from other departments and as he often says, it is better to know the person before you need them to back you up. Chief is known for his listening ear and encouragement. He not only listens to those he works with but also those he is called to help. Many people who rode in his car both for courtesy rides and those he carried to jail got to hear his encouraging words to not give up on themselves and what potential they have and can reach. Many times, in public he is approached and thanked by family members and or a person that he has arrested. When asked by his wife, "Why do they thank you?" - his answer is always "Because I treated them or their family member with respect and tried to help them." Chief was born in Ludington, MI to Pete & Joyce Host. He graduated from Ludington Faith Academy in 1981 and then graduated from Christ for the Nations Institute in Dallas, TX in 1983. He graduated from Wallace State in 1997 with an associate degree In Police Science. In 1985, he traveled with his parents, who were evangelists, to Alabama where he helped start a church in Tuscaloosa. He was a worship leader & youth leader and met and married his wife, Jamie Peck in 1987 there. While he was in Tuscaloosa, he was a department manager at Wal-Mart. Chief and his wife, Jamie, moved to her hometown of Hartselle in 1989. Chief Host and his wife enjoy spending time with their two sons, beautiful daughters-in-law, and 7 grandchildren. They have lived in the same house and have been a part of their community since 1989. Chief has been youth pastor, worship leader, associate pastor & lead pastor in area churches as well as working with community-based youth groups. While working in law enforcement and in the community, Chief became pastor to many that he worked with & helped along the way and is still among the first that they call when they face a tragedy or just need someone to listen to them and encourage them. Even after moving up to being Chief in 2020 to help Sheriff Ron Puckett run the sheriff's office, he still endeavors to stay connected to, encourage, and help those on the road and in the field. He sees the best and the potential in those he meets and works with. He lives daily and believes in the call that Jesus has on his life to help, listen to, encourage & impart wisdom to those who will listen. Even some that he thought were not listening have come back later and thanked him for what he said to them. Chief Host enjoys his job, serving the community and encouraging his fellow man, and has the desire to make Morgan County a better place to live. |
Executive Staff
Mike began his career in 2019, becoming the first person to serve as the Public Information Officer for the Sheriff's Office. A native of Fyffe, Alabama and a graduate of Fyffe High School, Mike earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Jacksonville State University with a minor in Communications. Mike never dreamed of a job in the spotlight or imagined being the spokesperson for a Law Enforcement entity. He uses the PIO position to be "a trusted source for information that citizens can rely on". Additionally, with his corporate background, Mike works to modernize the Sheriff's Office and ensure that citizens can access the information and services they need. Prior to taking the position of PIO, Mike spent the previous 20-plus years in corporate leadership, most recently as a regional manager with AWI Communications. He also operated his own public relations and campaign strategy business in which he helped local companies and organizations maintain their social media presence. It's that background that Mike believes has prepared him for this job. Along with managing all the press releases and social media, Mike works to keep the 200-plus employees informed as well as build community partnerships. Mike has a long history of serving his community and has served as a 2-time past president of the Hartselle Kiwanis Club, a member and Director of the Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce, as the commissioner for Hartselle Flag Football and a Board Member of the Hartselle City Schools Board of Education. Mike is married to Sallye(Rowe) of Falkville who is an elementary school, teacher with Morgan County Schools. They have two children, Brennan and Rowe, who attend Hartselle City Schools and are active in multiple sports. They are active members of the First Baptist Church of Hartselle. You can read more about Mike here: Profile: Mike Swafford
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Heather Hollingsworth McIngvale joined the Sheriff's office in March of 2020 as an Accounting Specialist. Heather is the daughter of Jim and Vera Hollingsworth of Hartselle, Alabama. She graduated from Hartselle High School and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Athens State University, with a concentration in accounting and business information systems. Heather has over 18 years of experience in accounting, tax, and database management.
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Mandy Gandy is the Administrative Support Specialist for Sheriff Puckett. Her duties include NCIC agency information security officer, ensures that all eligible employees are NCIC certified and are in compliance with State rules and regulations, purchasing agent for Patrol, Investigations, and Narcotics divisions, works closely with division Captains to ensure the security of the records management systems and inventory. Other duties included scheduling appointments with the Sheriff and overseeing the general wellness of the Office to ensure all things needed are on hand for everyday operations.
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