Eddie cathey

Edwin Glenn Cathey grew up in the NC mountains. After graduating from Pisgah High School, he served in the US Army as a Military Policeman and Canine Handler.

Eddie briefly returned to his mountain home and began his law enforcement career as an officer for the Canton Police Department before joining the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP). His patrol career began in Union County and took him from one side of the State to the other. Ultimately, First Sergeant Cathey returned to Union County with his family, and here the Catheys have built a life rooted in community and service.

Within a short time after retiring from the Highway Patrol, Eddie Cathey jumped back into a life of public service when he was elected to his first term as Sheriff of Union County.  In 2022, Sheriff Cathey was elected by Union County voters for a historic 6th consecutive term as Sheriff and he is excited to be running for a record-setting 7th term in 2026.  

As a veteran of the US Army, as well as his dedicated service to his hometown,  his service to the State of North Carolina through his career with the NCSHP and his continuing service to the residents of Union County, Sheriff Cathey’s life has been defined by his service to his country, state, county and community.

Proven Leadership | Trusted Results.

Building A Full-Service Agency 

  • Developed one of North Carolina’s few full-service law enforcement agencies.

  • Established the county’s first Real Time Crime Center.

  • Established a Forensic Crime Laboratory in 2022 and achieved accreditation through A.N.A.B. in fields of Blood Alcohol, Blood Drugs, Seized Drugs and Friction Ridge (fingerprints). 

  • Expanded scope of Digital Forensics Section to become a state leader in criminal evidence processing.

  • Currently implementing DNA capabilities in the Crime Lab, with plans to expand to the Detention Center.

  • Secured grant funding to purchase Crime Lab equipment.

  • Leveraged LPR and database technologies to solve cases, identify suspects, and apprehend violent offenders.

  • Added a full time Public Information Officer in 2016 and expanded social media channels to keep the community informed of public safety matters.

Service Beyond the Badge

  • Assumed responsibility for animal services and oversaw new facility construction (Opened 2006).

  • Partnered with Union County’s Judicial System to support local treatment courts (DWI, Family, and Veterans Treatment Courts) to reduce recidivism and strengthen rehabilitation.

  • Led UCSO’s emergency and humanitarian response efforts, including Hurricane Helene Relief Operations. 

Investing in People & Safety 

  • Nearly every public school in Union County has a dedicated School Resource Officer (SRO).

  • Expansion of municipal law enforcement contracts now serving six towns with enhanced coverage and service.

  • Added body-worn cameras for all deputies and jail operations, enhancing transparency and accountability. In 2022, led the agency-wide overhaul of the body-worn camera program to strengthen both functionality and reliability.

Modern Facilities & Technology

  • Oversaw design and construction of the voter-approved UCSO Administration Building (Opened 2022)

  • Opened a dedicated training center with a 100 yard firing range and classrooms (2018), adding a K9 training field and, more recently, a scenario-based training structure.

  • Introduced virtual reality training platforms to provide deputies with the skills to appropriately and safely respond to high risk events  

  • Led the effort to secure state funding for a regional autopsy center to reduce the backlog of cases handled by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Raleigh and to reduce toxicology backlogs necessary in death by distribution investigations. 

Community-Centered Policing

  • Maintained one of the lowest violent crime rates in the state with a 100% homicide solvability rate during his tenure.

  • Through strong enforcement, prevention and education, we've taken a firm stance to address the fentanyl crisis and remain committed to protect families and hold distributors of dangerous drugs accountable.

  • Created the UCSO Foundation, a non-profit, to support law-enforcement centered initiatives that support both the community and employees.

  • Expanded outreach through programs such as National Night Out, Senior Appreciation Fraud Prevention, Trunk or Treat Child Safety Fair, Salute to Veterans, Sheriff’s Citizen Academy, Junior Sheriff’s Academy, continuous support of Hometown Heroes and Special Olympics of North Carolina.

Training & Accountability

  • Established an In-house Detention Officer Certification Course (DOCC) with top statewide scores.

  • Launched a Traffic Safety Unit (SAFE) targeting dangerous and impaired drivers.

  • Expanded Crash Investigation Training and Specialized Enforcement Capabilities, including multiple Drug Recognition Examiners (DRE) to address the increase in drug impaired drivers.