The Sheriff is the Chief Law Enforcement officer within the county. Duties include process serving (serving both warrants and subpoenas), bailiffs and home confinement.
In addition, the Sheriff is the county's Treasurer responsible for collecting county taxes, including personal property taxes.
Sheriff Mike Rutherford
Sheriff Rutherford has been a career law enforcement officer for over 30 years, beginning with the St. Albans Police Department. He graduated first in his class from the 15th Basic Class of the West Virginia State Police Academy, and is also a graduate of the F.B.I. National Academy. In 1975, he joined the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office where he obtained the rank of Captain.
Sheriff Rutherford retired from the Sheriff’s Office in 2001, with over 26 years of service. Following his retirement, he went to work as the Chief of the Kanawha County Park Police, until his election to Kanawha County Sheriff in 2005.
