Sheriff's Office

Meet your Sheriff

Sheriff Chris Wood retired from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol after a career that spanned from March 1993 until May 2021.  Sheriff Wood is a graduate of Western Carolina University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management.  Sheriff Wood also completed North Carolina State University’s Administrative Officers Management Program.

Sheriff Wood was appointed to complete the current term as Sheriff of Cherokee County on February 23, 2026.  This appointment lasts until December 7, 2026.  On March 3, 2026, Sheriff Wood won the Republican Primary and became the Republican nominee for Sheriff of Cherokee County.  Since he is running unopposed in November’s General Election, Sheriff Wood will begin his four-year term as Sheriff on December 7, 2026.


Mission Statement

The mission of the Office of the Sheriff of Cherokee County is to preserve life, encourage voluntary compliance with the laws of this state, prevent crimes, hold offenders accountable and promote community well being. We will continue to perform these duties by providing resourceful patrols, quality investigations, distinctive correctional and emergency services, community oriented programs and victim advocate support using innovative solutions in order to build partnerships within the community and the citizens we serve.

INTEGRITY * HONESTY

IMPARTIALITY * COMPASSION