Pearsall a sheriff who earned respect
With the funeral of Everett Pearsall today, Warren County will be laying to rest one of the great law enforcement officers in our history.
Everett Pearsall was a legend in his time. For some, the five-term sheriff was known only as E.P.
Pearsall changed law enforcement in Warren County. He was a man determined to carry out the law, no matter the risk, or danger of bodily harm.
Pearsall brought aggressive law enforcement to the sheriff’s department during a time when that sort of behavior was often essential. Back in the 1960s and ’70s, law enforcement wasn’t given top priority when it came to funding. Considering how far police funding has come – and the fact law enforcement still has to fight for every funding dollar it can muster – it’s easy to see how little a sheriff like Pearsall had to work with.
That didn’t stop him from arresting a criminal, no matter the time or the place. When Pearsall came a calling with a warrant, people knew they could either go to jail the easy way – or the hard way.
Pearsall didn’t care to go into other counties to apprehend car thieves or fugitives on the run. He was a small man, but was never afraid to go after anyone. He didn’t care if it required a few punches to get a suspect in the car. He did whatever was necessary and did his job second to none.
Just as importantly, Pearsall was an investigative sheriff, which was rare in his day. He didn’t mind putting in the extra hours if it meant solving a case. He was dedicated to protecting the people of Warren County.
Even after his days in office, Pearsall continued to assist law enforcement by providing valuable information. His years as sheriff provided him reliable sources throughout the county.
One of Pearsall’s distinctive traits is he cared more about Warren County and solving crime than he cared about taking care of himself, personally and physically. Up until the time he got sick, law enforcement officers say he was still providing accurate and reliable information about criminals and criminal activity. He would still assist when asked to help find someone or track down information.
In the words of District Attorney Dale Potter, “Warren County and law enforcement lost a valuable friend with his passing.”
Everett Pearsall was nothing short of a great man and a great sheriff. He devoted every ounce of his energy and courage to protect this community and serve our residents. He was a man who received respect because he earned it. And he’s a man Warren County won’t soon forget.