A badge of honor: Restoring trust touted by hopefuls in crowded Swain sheriff’s race

In the wake of the controversy surrounding former Swain County Sheriff Curtis Cochran, the new sheriff, Brian Kirkland, only a month and a half on the job, will have company on the ballot come 2026.  

Kirkland sworn in as Swain County Sheriff, announces 2026 campaign

Brian Kirkland, who served as interim sheriff in Swain County following the scandalous retirement of Curtis Cochran, has been appointed to serve out the rest of the current term. 

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