This is a season of change at the Crenshaw County Emergency Management Agency as longtime director Elliott Jones retires and Thomas Strickland steps into the position.

Elliott Jones has spent much of his life in public service, beginning with the Luverne Police Department in 1982, where he served in several roles, including patrol officer, paramedic, professional firefighter and E-9-1-1 professional. He later became involved in emergency management and ultimately served as Crenshaw County EMA Director, a position he held until his retirement in 2026. As reflected in his retirement article, Elliott viewed EMA as a continuation of his lifelong commitment to serving the people of Crenshaw County.

Director Jones worked to modernize the county’s public warning capabilities. In 2017, Crenshaw County implemented CodeRED under his leadership. At the time, Jones explained that the county’s 26 outdoor warning sirens covered only about 13 square miles of a county exceeding 600 square miles. CodeRED provided the potential to reach residents throughout the county by cellphone, landline, email, app and other methods for severe weather and other emergencies.

Randy Mahone, who has served as Deputy Director and worked alongside Elliott Jones for more than seven years, said one of the things he admired most about Jones was his determination when faced with a challenge.

“I worked with Mr. Jones for a little over seven years, and I can’t recall a single challenge that Elliott ever backed down from. If he didn’t know the answer right then, he was going to do everything he could to find it. That’s something I always admired about him. No matter what the situation was or how much pressure came with it, he never folded.”

“Elliott was more than just my boss. He became my best friend. He was there for me during some of the best times in my life, but he was also there during some of the hardest. After working beside him for more than seven years, I can say that what he brought to this office went far beyond the job. His friendship, leadership and the example he set are things I’ll always carry with me.”

Weather preparedness remained a major focus throughout his career. Director Jones incorporated Baron Threat Net into the county’s weather operations, establishing 10 strategically located alert points throughout Crenshaw County. The system allowed EMA to monitor approaching severe weather, provide more location-specific information to residents, monitor wind conditions for responder safety and continue accessing live weather information while conducting damage assessments and recovery operations in the field. From major fires and severe weather to public warning improvements, new technology, COVID-19 and day-to-day emergency preparedness, his career has centered on building relationships and coordinating resources to protect Crenshaw County. His retirement closes a long chapter of public service to the county and its citizens.

Thomas Strickland was appointed to succeed Elliott Jones as Crenshaw County EMA Director in July 2026. Director Strickland brings more than two decades of public safety experience to the position.

Strickland earned early experience alongside his family in the Fort Deposit Volunteer Fire Department and Fort Deposit Rescue Squad. After graduating high school, he became an EMT-Basic before beginning his law-enforcement career with the Greenville Police Department in 2006. During his law enforcement career, he served in numerous assignments, including patrol, investigations, K-9, tactical operations, field training and supervision.

His public-safety experience also extends internationally. Strickland spent several years working in Afghanistan and Iraq in high-threat security operations, further developing his experience in planning, coordination, risk assessment and operating in complex environments. As EMA Director, Strickland plans to build upon the foundation established by Jones while strengthening relationships among the county’s fire departments, EMS agencies, law enforcement, municipalities, county departments, state partners and volunteer organizations. Early priorities include reviewing plans, evaluating county resources and capabilities, expanding preparedness and shelter partnerships, improving technology, pursuing grant opportunities, and strengthening communication with the public before, during and after emergencies.

Strickland also wants to ensure that Jones’s years of service and contributions to Crenshaw County are not lost with his retirement, saying “I consider recognizing Elliott’s work and preserving the knowledge, relationships and programs he developed to be an important part of moving the EMA forward. Rather than starting over, I hope to build on what Director Jones established while continuing to adapt the agency to meet the county’s future needs.”

The Alabama Emergency Management Agency congratulates Director Jones on a successful career and wishes Director Strickland success in this new role.