Chief Jeremy Stepps began his law enforcement career in 2008 as a Reserve Deputy with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office. In 2010, he was hired to serve in the Cherokee County Detention Center, where his dedication and leadership quickly earned him a promotion to Shift Sergeant.

In 2013, Chief Stepps was promoted to Deputy Sheriff. The following year, while serving as a Patrol Deputy, he was paired with his K9 partner, Keelo. Together, they made a significant impact on public safety—removing large quantities of narcotics from the streets, arresting thousands of offenders, and seizing substantial amounts of U.S. currency tied to criminal activity.

In 2015, Stepps and K9 Keelo transitioned from patrol to the Narcotics Unit, where they continued their successful partnership as members of both state and federal task forces, including the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Task Force and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force.

After K9 Keelo’s retirement in 2019, Stepps was reassigned to the Major Crimes Unit, where he led and assisted in numerous complex criminal investigations.

In March 2023, Chief Stepps joined the Cedar Bluff Police Department as Sergeant/Investigator. Later that same year, he was appointed Chief of Police—a role in which he continues to serve with honor, dedication, and pride.

Throughout his distinguished career, Chief Stepps has received multiple commendations for his exemplary service and leadership, including two Life Saving Awards.