1976 Shelby County Sheriff’s Department Yearbook with Photo of “Special Deputy” Elvis Presley

Offered is a 1976 Shelby County Sheriff’s Department yearbook in which Elvis is pictured on page 13 right among the other staff as “Special Deputy.” The photo is of an earlier vintage, most likely the photo the department kept on file when Elvis was issued his first badge years earlier. The green faux-leather cover of the yearbook is adorned with a gold illustration of the Shelby County deputy sheriff’s badge.

Captivated by anything related to law enforcement, Elvis frequently made requests to the Shelby County Sheriff’s department for badges and law enforcement authority, and given his unwavering support, they were always happy to oblige. Elvis received an honorary Sheriff badge from Bill Morris in 1970. Elvis’ strong relationship with the Shelby County Sheriff’s department continued through the years and in 1976, Gene Barksdale, Sheriff of Shelby County at the time, awarded Elvis with the appointment of Honorary Deputy Sheriff. It is said that Elvis was so keenly fascinated by the Sheriff’s role and title that Elvis had previously joked that he would go to any length to achieve it, including running for the post. Gene Barksdale, likely recalling that past quip, acquiesced to Elvis by officially making him honorary deputy Sheriff. The yearbook measures 11 1/2 by 8 1/2 inches.