Officer Black is a life-long resident of Fayette County, who graduated from Fayette County High School. He began his law enforcement career when he was employed with the Fayette County Sheriff's Department in 1987, as a Deputy Sheriff, and graduated from the University of Alabama Law Enforcement Academy in 1988. Officer Black served four and one-half years with the Sheriff's Department, being promoted to the position of investigator, before joining the Fayette Police Department in May 1992, as a Patrolman. Since that time, he has completed much additional training, including management of hazardous material accidents, advanced criminal investigation, crime scene investigation, and evidence collection and preservation. Officer Black is a NRA-certified Police Firearms Instructor and NRA Police Rifle Instructor. He is a member of Fayette County Lodge #74, Fraternal Order of Police. For several years, Officer Black has been the adult advisor to the Police Department's Explorer Scout Post.
Sam represented this department in the 1997 and 1998 Alabama Police Olympics, participating in several firearms events. He was most prominent in the high-powered rifle events, winning several medals, including two gold medals. He is a certified volunteer firefighter, who is co-founder of the Walnut Lane Volunteer Fire Department, having served as Chief for seven years. As one of his hobbies, Sam designed and built the earth-sheltered home in which he lives. He also continues to build and nurture fish ponds and plant pine trees on the property on which he lives.