Brian Kirkland is from Swain County, North Carolina. He has served in law enforcement for 25 years.

The Swain County Sheriff is up for election in November 2026. On ...

Brian is the Swain County sheriff. He previously served as the chief deputy for the Swain County Sheriff's Office.

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Kirkland assumes sheriff duties | Smoky Mountain Times, Bryson ...

Brian E. Kirkland has worked in law enforcement for 25 years.

Brian is currently the Swain County Sheriff. He was appointed to serve out the rest of the current term in 2025.

As of April 6, 2026, Brian E. Kirkland did not have a website or any information online.

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Brian E. Kirkland

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David Southards has attended Western Carolina University.

David is the assistant chief of police. He works at the Andrews Police Department in Cherokee County. He previously worked at the Swain County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy sheriff, where he served as a detention officer, a school resource officer and in investigations.

A badge of honor: Restoring trust touted by hopefuls in crowded ...

Former Swain County Sheriff faces rape charges in court this week

David is the assistant chief of police. He works at the Andrews Police Department in Cherokee County. He previously worked at the Swain County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy sheriff, where he served as a detention officer and a school resource officer.

As of April 6, 2026, David Southards did not have a website or any information online.

David Southards

- The sheriff is responsible for enforcing the law, managing security in jails and courtrooms. They also oversee daily conditions of the jail and inmates in custody and serve legal documents such as warrants and eviction notices. Their ultimate responsibility is to protect the community. 

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