Law Enforcement Heritage

Tyler’s family has a long tradition in law enforcement. Lester Roden, Tyler’s grandfather, was a police office for the City of Cullman for 24 years. Tyler’s grandfather, Charlie Ellard, was worked for the State of Alabama as a prison guard. Tyler’s uncle, Clint Ellard, was a Detroit, Michigan police office for 30 years before retiring to serve as Chief Deputy of Cullman County. Tyler’s uncle, Clifford Ellard, served many years and retired as a Birmingham police officer. Tyler’s father, Wendell, was a police officer with the City of Cullman for 13 years and then was elected Sheriff of Cullman County when Tyler was 13. Wendell served 12 years as Sheriff of Cullman County before retiring.

 

Education

Tyler graduated from Fairview High School in 1983. Tyler received his Associate of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Wallace State College in 1991. Tyler received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Justice Studies from Athens State University in 1992. Tyler is currently pursuing his Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Columbia Southern University. Tyler graduated from the Jacksonville State Police Academy in 1986 and has been a certified police officer since that time. Tyler graduated from the F.B.I. National Academy, 183rd session, Quantico, Virginia in 1995. Tyler graduated from the National Sheriff’s Institute in Longmont, Colorado in 1997. Throughout Tyler’s career, he has had the opportunity to receive extensive training and certification in many aspects of law enforcement. Tyler is a strong believer in education and continuing education.

• Currently pursuing a Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Administration – Columbia Southern University

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Justice Studies, Athens State University

• Associate of Science Degree in Criminal Justice, Wallace State College

• Graduate of F.B.I. National Academy 183rd Session, Quantico, VA

• Graduate of National Sheriffs’ Institute, Longmont, CO

• Graduate Northeast Alabama Police Academy, Jacksonville State University

• Attended U.S. Secret Service Threat Assessment Program

• Attended Department of Justice Executive Level Training in School Safety and Child Abduction

Professional Career

In 1986, Tyler was hired as a jail deputy at the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office. Tyler was a patrol officer for 2 ½ years before becoming an investigator at the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office. Tyler served as an investigator for three years before accepting a position as District Attorney Investigator in 1992. At the D.A.’s office, Tyler worked specifically with child sexual abuse cases. In 1995, Tyler was elected as Sheriff of Cullman County and has served four terms as your Sheriff.

• 24 years law enforcement experience

• 15 years as Sheriff of Cullman County

• 2 ½ years as District Attorney’s Investigator

• 5 ½ years as Cullman County Deputy Sheriff

• 3rd generation law enforcement

• Currently serves on the Drug Enforcement Committee for the National
  Sheriff’s Association

• Currently serves as Secretary/Treasurer of the Alabama Sheriff’s Association

• Received 2009 PALS Governor’s Award

• Received Employer Support of the Guard and the Reserve Above and Beyond
  Award