Sheriff Steve Bizzell
Sheriff Steve Bizzell is a life-long resident of Johnston County in the Pine-Level/Princeton area. He attended Princeton High School and Coastal Plains Law Enforcement Academy. Bizzell was raised on a family farm, the son of a farmer and minister, and is one of eight children. Steve is married and has three children. Prior to becoming Sheriff he managed the Bizzell family farm.
Before being elected Sheriff, Steve had the privilege of serving under two former Sheriffs beginning in 1980 serving as a Reserve Deputy, and then later as a Deputy Sheriff.
He was elected Sheriff in November 1998 at age 39, and was sworn in to office in December 1998. Sheriff Bizzell is the longest serving Sheriff in Johnston County history, currently in his seventh term, and has become one of North Carolina’s longest-serving elected county sheriffs.
Having the honor to serve as Sheriff of Johnston County is a goal Sheriff Bizzell has had since a young boy. He has proven himself to be an effective leader, and in 2021 he was recognized by the Johnston County Chapter of Veterans of Foreign Wars, in maintaining, preserving, and protecting the lawful rights of all citizens.
Sheriff Bizzell served as President of the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association in 2007-2008 where he represented all 100 sheriffs in the State of North Carolina. He held the position of Chairman of the Executive Committee of the NCSA from 2008 to 2009, and continues to serve as a board member. In 2014 Sheriff Bizzell was selected by Governor Pat McCrory to serve on the Governor’s DWI Task Force, and was elected by Sheriffs in District 4 to serve on the NC Sheriffs Education and Training Standards Commission. In 2016 Sheriff Bizzell received the “Order of the Long Leaf Pine,” among the most prestigious awards conferred by the Governor of North Carolina.
“I love being Sheriff of Johnston County, and I look forward to continuing to serve as Sheriff, to ensure that the quality of law enforcement services that our citizens have become accustomed to continues,” said Sheriff Bizzell. “I am truly blessed to have the quality of men and women who assist me every day in carrying out the duties of the Office of Sheriff.”
