{"biography":"Major Roger Alford is a career law\u2011enforcement officer with the Scotland County Sheriff\u2019s Office and is the Democratic candidate for Scotland County Sheriff in the November\u202f3,\u202f2026 election. The sheriff\u2019s office in North Carolina is the chief law\u2011enforcement agency for the county, responsible for patrol, criminal investigations, court security, civil process, and managing the county jail. As sheriff, Alford would oversee these divisions, set policy, and be the elected head of the office.\n\nAlford was born and raised in Laurinburg, North\u202fCarolina, one of 14 children. He graduated from Scotland High School in 1990 and later earned his Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) certification from Sandhills Community College in 2010\u202f[9]. He met his wife, Linda McLean, in 2002; together they have four daughters, a son and two grandchildren, and remain active in the local community.\n\nAlford began his career with the Scotland County Sheriff\u2019s Office in 2008\u202f[9]. Over more than two decades he has risen through the ranks\u2014serving as sergeant, detective, lieutenant, captain, and now major. He has held leadership positions in multiple divisions and currently manages day\u2011to\u2011day operations for the office\u202f[9]. In addition to his duties, Alford has been recognized for his community engagement, such as delivering lunch to the 911 communications team during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week\u202f[6].\n\nIn early 2024 Alford publicly announced his candidacy, forming a campaign committee and outlining a platform focused on community\u2011oriented policing. He emphasizes restoring public trust, guaranteeing anonymity for confidential tips, and strengthening relationships between deputies and residents\u202f[12]. He also proposes regular recognition of local women leaders, provision of athletic shoes for youth, and expanded support for programs like the Fellowship of Christian Athletes\u202f[12][11].\n\nAlford\u2019s personal resilience has been on display as he battles cancer. After a diagnosis, colleagues organized a chili\u2011cook\u2011off fundraiser to cover his medical and travel expenses, raising funds and offering emotional support while he undergoes chemotherapy\u202f[8][10]. The outpouring of community aid underscores his reputation as a well\u2011liked and dependable officer.\n\nIf elected, Alford says he will build on his long\u2011standing relationships with deputies and citizens to create a transparent, responsive sheriff\u2019s office that prioritizes safety, community partnership, and support for vulnerable populations.\n\n## Sources\n- [6] [Major Roger Alford , Lieutenant Ronald Locklear and ...](https://www.facebook.com/scotlandco911/posts/-huge-shoutout-to-our-amazing-partners-at-the-scotland-county-sheriffs-office-ma/703858185511137/)\n- [8] [Deputies, community hold fundraiser to help Scotland Co. deputy facing cancer](https://wpde.com/news/local/deputies-community-hold-fundraiser-to-help-scotland-co-deputy-facing-cancer-county-north-carolina-officer-sheriffs-office-major-roger-alford)\n- [9] [Scotland County Sheriff's Office](https://scotlandcountysheriff.com/sheriffs-leadership-team)\n- [10] ['He's always upbeat': Scotland Co. deputies hold fundraiser for officer battling cancer](https://wpde.com/news/local/hes-always-upbeat-scotland-co-deputies-hold-fundraiser-for-officer-battling-cancer-north-carolina-county-chili-cookoff-struggle-treatments)\n- [11] [Scotland Co. deputies raising money to help teens](https://wpde.com/news/local/scotland-co-deputies-raising-money-to-help-teens-badges-bbq-cookoff-laurinburg-fca-cookoff-support-youth-program)\n- [12] [Longtime Scotland Co. deputy launches committee to run for sheriff](https://wpde.com/news/local/longtime-scotland-co-deputy-launches-committee-to-run-for-sheriff)","campaigns":[{"contest":"county_sheriff","county":"scotland","county_count":1,"electiondate":"Tue, 03 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT","pgr":"general","state":"NC","title":"Scotland County Sheriff"}],"cf_filings":[],"firstname":"Roger","fullname":"Roger Alford","lastname":"Alford","office_history":[{"campaigns":[{"contest":"county_sheriff","contest_title":"Scotland County Sheriff","county":"scotland","county_count":1,"electiondate":"2026-11-03","office_county":"scotland","office_key":"county_sheriff","office_title":"Sheriff","party":"DEM","pgr":"general","state":"NC"}],"county":"scotland","cycles":[{"general":{"contest":"county_sheriff","contest_title":"Scotland County Sheriff","county":"scotland","county_count":1,"electiondate":"2026-11-03","office_county":"scotland","office_key":"county_sheriff","office_title":"Sheriff","party":"DEM","pgr":"general","state":"NC"},"party":"DEM","primary":null,"term":null,"year":2026}],"office_key":"county_sheriff","office_title":"Sheriff","state":"NC","terms":[]}],"summary":"Major Roger Alford, a longtime Scotland County deputy, is running as the Democratic candidate for sheriff, emphasizing community policing and public trust.","terms":[],"token":"355ad2766e1ed627"}