Alan Webster Cutler

Alan W. Cutler is the incumbent Sheriff of Pender County, North Carolina, and is seeking re‑election as the Republican candidate for the 2026 race. The sheriff’s office is charged with preserving the peace, maintaining public order, enforcing state law, operating the county jail, and providing court security across nearly 1,000 square miles of largely rural territory【3†L1-L4】. The position carries a four‑year term and a salary of $101,137 plus benefits【7†L13-L16】.

Cutler was raised in the Scotts Hill community of Pender County and graduated from Topsail High School【3†L9-L11】. He began his law‑enforcement career in 1990 as a deputy with the Pender County Sheriff’s Office under Sheriff Mike Harvell. After four years he entered the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, graduating from the 1994 Basic School and being sworn in as a trooper on May 12, 1995, where he was assigned to Onslow County【3†L12-L15】. He returned to Pender County in 2006, served until his retirement on November 1, 2018, and was sworn in as the 19th Sheriff of Pender County on December 3, 2018【3†L15-L18】.

During his tenure Cutler has emphasized community service, transparency, and fiscal responsibility. He publicly opposed a county resolution to join the federal 287(g) immigration‑enforcement program in early 2025, arguing that the Sheriff’s Office already cooperates with ICE and that the program would impose costly staffing and facility requirements on taxpayers【5†L1-L9】【5†L10-L15】. In the 2018 campaign he highlighted the need for more deputies, auxiliary support, and better communication with the county commissioners to address manpower shortfalls and the opioid crisis【7†L23-L31】. He also advocated for increased school‑resource officer presence and multi‑agency response plans for active‑shooter situations【12†L31-L38】.

Cutler is married with three children and is an active deacon at Barlow Vista Baptist Church【3†L19-L20】. He has repeatedly stressed his 30‑plus years of law‑enforcement experience, his deep roots in the community, and a commitment to integrity and public safety as the core of his campaign platform【11†L1-L7】【12†L1-L5】. His official campaign website is alancutlerforsheriff.com, where voters can find additional information and contact details.

Overall, Cutler’s record combines long‑standing local service, experience with both county and state law‑enforcement agencies, and a public stance on fiscal prudence and community‑focused policing, which he presents as qualifications for continued leadership of the Pender County Sheriff’s Office.

Sources

• [2] Vote-USA | Alan Cutler | Currently Elected Pender County Sheriff, Pender County, North Carolina
• [3] Meet Sheriff Cutler | Pender County, NC
• [5] Pender County Sheriff shares why he spoke out publicly against resolution that would strengthen local immigration enforcement
• [7] 2018 Primary: Alan Cutler for Pender County Sheriff’s Office | Port City Daily
• [11] Alan Cutler set to file seeking Pender County Sheriff position - WWAYTV3
• [12] Q&A with Pender County Sheriff candidates | Port City Daily