Name:
Title:
Sam Craig
Sheriff
CRAIG FAMILY HISTORY

I was born March 14, 1957, to Robert (Bob) and Maralou Hawkins Craig. My father, who passed away in 2000, was retired from the Bedford Fire Department and managed Craig’s Feed and Seed for his parents, Buck and Inez Craig. I have four sisters and one brother.

I am a life long resident on Lawrence County. While growing up I passed papers, mowed lawns, and worked at my grandfather’s feed store in my free time. I attended St. Vincent DePaul School from grades 1-8 and then attended Bedford High School, graduating from Bedford North Lawrence High School in 1976 after consolidation. I participated in basketball, football, track, and was a member of the Letterman’s Club and National Honors Society, as well as a 4-H 10-year member. My family was very involved in 4-H, and I continue to be active in the organization.

I married the former Lou Ann Edwards on November 12, 1982. We have two children, Ashley and Alex. My wife Lou Ann has worked at Dunn Hospital for over 28 years as a Registered Nurse. Our family attends St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church.


EXPERIENCE

I have worked in Law Enforcement for over 27 years. During this time I have worked with the Bedford Police Department and the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department.

My law enforcement career began in 1980 with the Lawrence County Sheriff's Department, working under Sheriff John McBride. The department was comprised of 10 deputies at that time. I attended the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy and graduated in September 1981. My duties as a deputy consisted of all aspects of law enforcement including jail and court details, civil process, dispatch, patrol, criminal investigations, and inmate care. I left the Lawrence County Sheriff's Department in 1983 and went to work at the Bedford Police Department.

At the Bedford Police Department I held the position of Detective Commander with the rank of Major. I oversaw criminal investigations and worked cases. I served on the Executive Board that is responsible for establishing policies, monitoring personal issues, and investigating internal affairs. I was the Coordinator (Supervisor) for the Emergency Services Unit that consists of a tactical entry team, sniper /spotter team, K-9 Unit, hostage negotiator, and gas/less lethal unit. I was with the Bedford PD for 20 years as a Law Enforcement Officer. I started in October, 1985. During this time I held the rank of Patrolman, Detective, Detective Captain, and Uniform Captain. I started at Bedford as a communications Officer in 1984.


ACHIEVEMENTS & TRAINING

Some of my achievements in law enforcement include:

Bedford Police Department Exchange Club Officer of the Year (1993 & 2005)
Law Enforcement Commendation Medal from the Sons of the American Revolution
Letter of commendation from the F.B.I for my involvement in a hostage/bank extortion case.
I have trained extensively in the areas of personnel management and criminal investigation. Other training I have includes:

Vehicle Stops Preparation for Court
Report Writing I & II
Hostage Negotiation
Police Ethics
Characteristics of Child Abuse
Hazardous Materials
Domestic Violence
Improvised Explosive Devices
Night Scene Photography
Fingerprint Techniques
Chemical Aerosol Spray
Bloodborne Pathogens
Airbag Rescue
Evidence Technician Training
CPR Supervision II
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Live Power Line Safety
K-9
Suicide Prevention
Tactical Firearms Training
Night Firearms Training
Emergency Vehicle Operation
Use of Force/TASER
Search and Seizure
Civil Disorder
Defensive Tactics
Amber Alert Training
Murder Scene Investigations
Circuit Court-Redirect
Instinctive Flight Syndrome
Quick Deployment/School Shootings
Police Supervisor, Management and Liability
Methamphetamine Investigation Management/Task Force Training
Tactical Command/Application and Development
Tactical Countermeasures Training