‘It Was Unexpected’: Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch Reflects on Trump’s Rally Shout-Out and His First One-on-One With a President

MOBILE, Ala. — Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch was sitting in the crowd at the University of South Alabama’s Mitchell Center on Friday night when he heard his own name from the stage.

During his midterm rally, President Donald Trump paused to recognize several notable Alabama Republicans — and he singled out Burch.

“Highly respected Mobile County Sheriff. You know why he is highly respected? He’s got no crime. Paul Burch, Thank you,” Trump said.

On Saturday, the sheriff shared his reaction to the moment.

“It was unexpected. But certainly it was fun to hear that. Not something I anticipated,” Burch said.

A First Meeting With a Sitting President

Before Trump spoke, Burch said, the two had a chance to catch up with each other. It was the first time the sheriff had ever met a president one-on-one.

“He is very personable. Certainly it’s an honor to meet a sitting president of the U.S.,” Burch said. “He’s actually a funny guy when you talk to [him].”

Burch emphasized that, in his view, a presidential visit is significant for the community regardless of political affiliation.

“Anytime a sitting president of the United States comes to Mobile, that’s a big deal regardless of what your politics are. That was my view on it from the beginning,” Burch said.

Trump’s appearance made him the eighth sitting president to visit Mobile, a list that dates back to Theodore Roosevelt’s visit in 1905.

Credit to the Deputies

Trump’s praise centered on crime in Mobile County, and Burch was quick to pass that credit along to the people who work for him. The sheriff said Mobile County’s low crime rate — the point Trump highlighted — is a reflection of the work of his deputies.

Some of those deputies were on duty at the rally itself. Burch said about 20 Mobile County Sheriff’s Office deputies helped with security at the Mitchell Center on Friday.

Providing security for a presidential visit is a major undertaking that involves close coordination between federal, state and local agencies. The U.S. Secret Service leads protective operations for the president, with local law enforcement agencies typically assisting with traffic control, crowd management, perimeter security and other support roles.

Burch said the effort drew positive feedback.

“Everybody was complimentary of what a great job the sheriff’s office did partnering up with the Secret Service and other agencies,” he said.

A Busy Day for Local Law Enforcement

Friday was a demanding day for law enforcement across the Mobile area. In addition to the evening rally at the Mitchell Center, the day included the groundbreaking ceremony for the I-10 Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project, which brought federal, state and local officials to the city. Protesters also gathered outside the Mitchell Center ahead of the rally, while thousands of supporters lined up to attend.

Despite the size and complexity of the day’s events, Trump spoke as scheduled Friday evening.

Among Several Local Leaders Recognized

Burch was one of several Mobile-area leaders Trump acknowledged during the rally. The president also gave shout-outs to Mobile Mayor Spiro Cheriogotis and University of South Alabama President Jo Bonner, along with a long list of Republican candidates on the November ballot.

For Burch, the recognition was a surprise — but the sheriff made clear that he sees it as a reflection on the men and women of his office.

Key Points

• Trump praised Sheriff Paul Burch from the stage Friday, saying, “He’s got no crime.”
• Burch called the moment “unexpected” and said it was “fun to hear.”
• The two met before the rally — Burch’s first one-on-one meeting with a president.
• Burch credited his deputies for Mobile County’s low crime rate.
• About 20 sheriff’s deputies helped with security at the Mitchell Center, working alongside the Secret Service and other agencies.