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.

Sheiff Cathey 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 built a life rooted in community and service.

Within a short time after retiring from the Highway Patrol, Sheriff 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 6^th consecutive term as Sheriff and he is excited to be running for a record-setting 7^th term in 2026.  

Through his service in the US Army, his hometown as a police officer, 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.