Deputy Alford Cherry, Sr. was born on February 8, 1953. He grew up in the Booker T. Community, where he attended Lincoln Elementary, Carroll Jr., and Carroll Sr. High Schools. After graduating high school, he enrolled at Grambling State University where he majored in Law Enforcement. In 1975, Deputy Cherry became employed with the Monroe Police Department as a jailer. His work ethics caught the attention of his supervisor leading him to be promoted from jailer to patrolman. Deputy Cherry served on the Monroe Police Department for almost 40 years, where he matriculated through the ranks from Patrolman to Detective, from Sergeant to Lieutenant to Captain. He retired from the Monroe Police Department after 39 ½ years of service in 2015.
“To Protect and Serve” was not just the motto of a policeman for Deputy Cherry, but it was evident in his passion to help his community. From coaching and teaching kids in the Twin City Athletic Association’s Pee-Wee Football League, to starting the first all-black male bass fishing club in Northeast Louisiana (North Louisiana Bass Club), to all the years that he served as security at Carrol High School, Deputy Cherry let his actions tell the story of his love and dedication for, and commitment to changing his community.
Deputy Cherry is not just a great leader in the community, but also in his home. He is married to his loving wife, former Major Cathy Cherry of the Monroe Police Department, father of four, grandfather of nine, and great-grandfather to one. Currently Deputy Alford Cherry, Sr. serves with the Monroe City Marshall’s Office under the direction of Marshall Wince Highshaw.