Ala. Code § 45-2-234.11

Whenever a new sheriff is elected or appointed, he or she may appoint any person as his or her chief deputy sheriff and chief civil deputy provided the person meets the minimum standards for law enforcement officers as prescribed by the general law of the state. The persons holding the positions of chief deputy sheriff, chief civil deputy, chief corrections officer, financial officer, and personnel officer may be terminated without benefit of the provisions of this subpart.