To protect and serve 2021
HONORING LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS ACROSS FRANKLIN COUNTY
Contact Russellville City Hall at 256-332-6060 304 Jackson Ave. N Russellville, AL
A Great Place to Live, Work & Raise a family Russellville City Councilmen:
David Palmer, District 1; Darren Woodruff, District 2; Gary Cummings, District 3; Dexter Hamilton, District 4; Jamie Harris, District 5; Mayor David R. Grissom
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Letter from the editor F
or this year’s Progress edition, we are honored to turn the spotlight on some of our local heroes: Franklin County’s law enforcement officers. I have enjoyed every minute I’ve spent chatting with our local police chiefs and officers over the past few weeks – even the minutes that required me to stop by the police station at the 6 a.m. shift change for a few photos. I’ve got to say, 6 a.m. is not for the faint of heart, folks, and I tip my hat to every public servant who has dedicated himself or herself to protecting our community when many of us are still snug in our beds or blearily sipping that first cup of coffee. Of course, it’s not just the early mornings, late nights and impossibly long hours in between and round the clock that pose a challenge to peacekeeping. Day in and day out, law enforcement officers are there for the toughest moments of our lives – for break-ins and burglaries, for traffic accidents and domestic disputes. Each moment of their day is punctuated by responding to everything from assault to drug distribution, from motor vehicle infractions to city ordinance violations. It’s not easy, the part they play in our justice system. It’s not easy, it’s not glamorous, and it’s often a thankless job. We hope this edition can play a tiny part in showing gratitude to the brave, selfsacrificing men and women who choose to step up and be law enforcement officers. It takes courage and commitment; it takes a servant’s heart.
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Table of Contents Our Locations: Main Office 15565 Hwy 43 Russellville, AL 35653 256-332-3600
Red Bay Office 527 4th Ave SE Red Bay, AL 35582 256-356-9990
Downtown Office 308 Jackson Ave. North Russellville, AL 35653 256-331-4700
Education is Our Business
The Franklin County Cooperative Extension System, the outreach organization for the land-grant mission of Alabama A&M University and Auburn University, delivers research-based educational programs that enable Franklin County citizens to improve their quality of life and economic well-being.
Katerni� Col�-Coffe�
County Extension Coordinator - 4-H and Youth Development Community and Workforce Development - Family and Child Development - Human Nutrition, Diet and Health
4 Letter from the editor 7 On the job 8 Franklin County Sheriff’s Office 17 Russellville Police Department 22 Red Bay Police Department 25 District attorney’s investigators 26 Phil Campbell Police Department 28 A word of praise 30 Probation and parole officers 31 History in headlines
541-5674
P.O. Box P.O.1088 Box 1088 1413114131 Highway 43 Highway 43 Russellville, AL 35653 Russellville, AL 35653 256-332-1881 256-332-1881 fax: 256-332-1883 fax: 256-332-1883 www.franklincountytimes.com www.franklincountytimes.com
Extension Professionals Proudly Serving Franklin County Contact us at 256-332-8880 Andrew Bari�
Regional Extension Agent Forestry, Wildlife and Natural Resource Management
Annett� Castee�
Agent Assistant Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Education
Lloy� Chapma�
Regional Extension Agent Commercial Horticulture
Luc� Edward�
Regional Extension Agent Home Grounds, Gardens and, Home Pests
Soni� Gambl�
Administrative Support Associate
Susa� Hil�
Regional Extension Agent Food Safety and Quality
Shirle� Jimen� TES-Community Liaison
Darlen� Minniefiel�
Vaness� Robert�
4-H Foundation Regional Extension Agent 4-H and Youth Development
Id� Robinso�
TES Administrative Support
Patrici� Smit�
Regional Extension Agent Family Resource Management Workforce Development
Regional Extension Agent Kare� Sofle� Community Resource Development Regional Extension Agent Human Nutrition, Diet and Health Human Nutrition, Diet and Health
Andrew Pag�
Agronomic Crops Regional Extension Agent
Pau� Vinin�
Regional Extension Agent Animal Science and Forages
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Editorial
Alison James and Ciera Hughes
Marketing Administrative
Shelley Ozbirn Sommer Morris
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ON THE JOB
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hen it comes to local law enforcement, not every officer serves the same role. Even from one department to the next, certain roles or titles can carry with them different duties or responsibilities. Broadly, however, here are the different officers one might expect to find serving Franklin County. • PATROL OFFICERS Patrol officers represent a proactive facet of law enforcement, patrolling their cities, neighborhoods and businesses with a wary eye to catch criminals in their tracks. A patrol officer might, while in the course of duty, prevent a burglary by spotting a breakin in progress or ensure safe traffic conditions by stopping reckless drivers. They will also usually the first to respond to a scene in answer to a 911 call or other call for assistance, whether that’s to look into a domestic dispute, missing person or even something as seemingly small as an unleashed dog loose in the city or a city ordinance violation. • INVESTIGATORS Police investigators are on deck when a crime has been committed. Investigators will work to locate suspects, take witness statements and aid victims in recounting the details of the crime and filing an accurate report. They might also be involved in photographing and collecting evidence from a criminal scene and delivering that evidence to the department of forensic science to be processed. From looking into fatalities to tracking down the source of fraudulent checks, investigators are on hand to find the answers to the questions in each case. • DISPATCHERS Dispatchers, whether they work with one of the city departments or at the county’s 911 communications center, are responsible for answering calls and determining the appropriate action to take in response to those calls. A dispatcher will send an officer to a scene
and is in continuous communication with officers on the job to make sure they have the information they need to make sound decisions in trying to help the community. Officers will pass information along to dispatchers, such as a suspect’s identification information during a traffic stop, for assistance in looking up a person’s background or potential criminal history. In Red Bay, in particular, dispatchers also act as jailers, charged with the care and keeping of inmates in the city’s four cells. • STUDENT RESOURCE OFFICERS Student Resource Officers, as the name suggestions, are based in the school system. They ensure safety and crime prevention in local schools, including helping to develop and enforce safety protocols to be followed during emergency situations. At the lower level especially, SROs work to build positive relationships with the students and encourage them to make good choices in life as law-abiding citizens. SROs might visit a classroom to share information in a group setting and also build one-on-one relationships with students during arrival, departure or any time of day. • CORRECTIONS OFFICERS Within the sheriff’s department, correctional officers are responsible for enforcing rules and regulations in the jail. They oversee individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or who have been sentenced to serve time. They supervise the daily activities of inmates, search inmates for illicit materials, settle arguments and enforce discipline. • K9 K9 officers and their four-legged partners work as a team to carry out policing tasks to which certain breeds of dog are well-suited, such as detecting illegal substances and identifying individuals who were in contact with such substances. K9 pairs play a key role in apprehending criminals and keeping drugs off the street.
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FRANKLIN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE 748 Walnut Gate Road | Russellville 256-332-8820
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ith 56 employees – 21 sworn deputies plus corrections officers, dispatchers and office personnel – the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office plays a major role in law enforcement and peacekeeping in Franklin County. When it comes to the formal definition, “the sheriff is a constitutional office and the executive branch of the government charged with the duties of being officers of the court, serving court orders and court documents and providing law enforcement to the county,” explained Sheriff Shannon Oliver, who is serving his third term in office after running for re-election unopposed in 2018. The Franklin County native first joined the department in 1993. “I started working as a reserve deputy, and then I was a jailer and a dispatcher and worked my way up to patrol,” Oliver said. “I left
in 2005 and worked at Russellville Police Department until I took office in 2011.” He began his law enforcement career immediately after graduating from Russellville High School in 1993, joining the profession he sees as “crucial for security and investigating crimes and to try to maintain a buffer between the good element and the bad element of society.” “Law enforcement was always something I was interested in, as a child and even in my teenage years,” Oliver said, noting he was drawn – as are many law enforcement officers – to “the basics of being able to help people.” “It was a position where it seemed like you could do a lot for people and have that connection,” he said. “That’s what I wanted and what I enjoy – dealing with people openly and helping them the best I can.”
Before becoming sheriff himself, Oliver worked alongside his predecessor, Sheriff Larry Plott, who served the county from 1983 to 2011. Oliver said he came to the decision in the early 2000s that when Plott retired, Oliver would campaign for the sheriff’s seat. “I knew it was something I wanted to do.” The role of sheriff has a long tenure in Franklin County. According to the department’s website, sheriffs date back to at least 1819, including U.R. Jarnigan, Glen Demastus, Swanson Hindman, James Hovater and William Berry Shedd. Oliver said he is proud to be among those who have served the role, particularly as an elected official. “I’m a firm believer that the sheriff works for the people. I think being elected is a good thing,” Oliver said. “It’s very humbling. It makes you feel good that people put the confidence in you to do this job. It’s something
you think about every day. You make sure you’re doing whats right for the people altogether.” In his nearly 30 years in law enforcement, Oliver said he has seen things change over time, from the societal response to law enforcement, to the types of crimes committed, to the technology and tools used to do the job. “Basically we’ve just adapted with the times,” said Oliver. “The type of crimes have changed over the years, which has caused us to change and do things differently,” – such as a shift to digital records. “Everything was handwritten and done on paper, and it’s evolved to things being computerized … Things seemed a lot simpler then – those days of one piece of paper.” In terms of growth, Oliver said the FCSO saw much of its growth preceding his election to office, during Plott’s tenure. “When the new
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jail was built in 2008, we had to have more manpower,” Oliver explained. Even since his service began in 2011, however, the department has seen call volume increase and has been able to hire on more personnel and incorporate new equipment, such as body cameras, thanks to the support of the Franklin County Commission. “We’ve tried to add people on patrol as much as we can, and we’ve tried to get pay to where we could attract good quality people and retain them,” Oliver said. “It’s a gradual process all the way through.” In the chain of command, three captains serve directly under Oliver: Capt. Mark Latham in patrol, Capt. Justin Trulove in administration/ investigations and Capt. Theresa Qualls in the jail, which has a capacity of about 200. Dispatch serves tangentially to the FCSO, led by Capt. Brandon James. “Capt. Latham takes care of pretty much all the duties of patrol – scheduling, vehicles, and what they need to do on a day to day basis,” Oliver said. “He’s a very organized, very easy-going, easy to work with person. He’s been here for a number of years, and he’s very well respected by his peers.” Trulove, Oliver said, also excels in his role, where he is responsible for overseeing investigations as well as administrative tasks like payroll the budgetary matters. Qualls, likewise, is “very capable in her job, She’s worked in the jail almost 20 years. She’s a great person – a hard worker and puts a lot of time and effort into the jail and is very knowledgable about what goes on there.” Under the captains, three lieutenants and seven sergeants help ensure things run smoothly in each department and each shift. Oliver said he counts on these personnel to keep the FCSO at its best. “It makes your job easier, and this is the type of work where, I can’t do it all by myself. I have to trust and depend on good people to help make it work,” said Oliver. He compared the sheriff’s office to a football team, in
which every player has an important role. “The whole sheriff’s office is a team, and we work together to make it work. It takes everybody.” The department includes a number of deputies tasked with either patrol or investigations, along with corrections officers and communications/dispatch officers. Also crucial to keeping the office running smoothly are administrative clerks Stacy Clark, Ashleigh Coats,
Jennifer Puckett and chief clerk Denise Poore. The longest-tenured employee is Deputy Mark Swindle, who works for the department part time after retiring in 2016. With all his personnel in place, the department is able to focus on preventing crime and bringing criminals to justice in Franklin County. “On a day to day basis, we’re investigating crimes that have
happened, thefts and burglaries – it’s pretty much a full time thing,” Oliver explained. “The sheriff has a lot of responsibilities in the courts, making sure papers are served.” Oliver said he also stays busy with people coming to the FCSO to meet with him, whether it’s to report a crime or seek help with a land dispute. “Some people just might need to talk.” Despite the rancor law enforcement officers have come against in recent months and years, Oliver said the local community largely supports the police, which is appreciated and crucial to enabling the department to do its job well. “I still think here, law enforcement as a whole – I think people still appreciate law enforcement,” Oliver said. “A lot of people on a day-to-day basis will tell you they appreciate what you do. I feel like the biggest majority of the people still support and appreciate law enforcement.” “The element out there that’s always in trouble with law enforcement might not appreciate them, but we have a job to do.” It’s a job that isn’t always easy – especially for officers’ families. That’s something Oliver has seen firsthand for his wife Tange and their three children, Johnna, 21, Sterlyn, 17, and Brannon, 14. “It’s tough sometimes on your family that you don’t really have a set schedule. You have to go when you’re called,” Oliver said. “They don’t complain about it. I think they understand that’s the job, and I’ve got to do it. But there’s no doubt it affects them when you’re not home regularly or you have to get up and leave. But I think they understand, and they are very supportive of my job. It’s hard to be effective if you don’t have your family support.” As the department braces to face whatever challenges might arise in the future, Oliver said his goals for the FCSO boil down to one straightforward sentiment: “I just want to continue to try to be better and do a better job every day.”
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FRANKLIN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
SGT. RODNEY BELL Corrections
DISPATCHER RHONDA BULLION Communications
DEPUTY BILLY BURKS Patrol/K9 Unit
DEPUTY MAMBO K9 Unit
SRO REGINA CANTRELL Student Resource Officer
OFFICER AARON CATALAN Corrections
STACY CLARK Administration
ASHLEIGH COATS Administration
SGT. JONATHAN COPELAND Patrol
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FRANKLIN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
DISPATCHER SHERRI CROWDER Communications
DISPATCHER JONATHON FREDERICK Communications
OFFICER HUNTER GODSEY Corrections
OFFICER OVONTAE GRAHAM Corrections
OFFICER RENAE HALBROOKS Corrections
DEPUTY DOUGLAS HALLMAN Patrol
DEPUTY KERRY HALLMAN Patrol
DISPATCHER SHELLEY HILL Communications
LT. JASON HOLCOMB Investigations
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FRANKLIN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
SGT. CLINT HOLCOMBE Investigations
SHERRY HUBBARD Courthouse security
OFFICER ALAINA JAMES Corrections
CAPT. BRANDON JAMES Communications
CAPT. MARK LATHAM Administration/Patrol
OFFICER SAMANTHA LONG Corrections
OFFICER DAKOTA LOVETT Corrections
SGT. ADAM MITCHELL Patrol
SGT. FELIX MOJICA Corrections
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FRANKLIN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
DEPUTY COLT MONTGOMERY Patrol
DISPATCHER PATRICK NAGLE Communications
KYLE PALMER Investigations
SGT. AMY PATTERSON Corrections
DENISE POORE Administration
DISPATCHER EDDIE PUCKETT Communications
JENNIFER PUCKETT Administation
CAPT. THERESA QUALLS Corrections
OFFICER DENNIS RINER Corrections
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FRANKLIN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
DISPATCHER CINDY SHIVERS Communications
OFFICER BOBBY SWINNEY Corrections
OFFICER RIKKI THARP Corrections
CAPT. JUSTIN TRULOVE Administration/Investigations
DISPATCHER MATTHEW WALDREP Communications
DEPUTY TAYLOR WECLOWSKI Patrol
LT. FELISHA WEEKS Corrections
DEPUTY BRIAN WELCH Patrol
SRO BRENT WELLS Student Resource Officer
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FRANKLIN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
DEPUTY CHASE WHITE Patrol
OFFICER BRETTA WIGGINTON Corrections
OFFICER DUSTIN WILEY Corrections NOT PICTURED DEPUTY ANDREA BOLTON Courthouse security DEPUTY MARK SWINDLE Patrol
SGT. MICHAEL YANCEY Corrections
LT. RYAN ZEDROW Patrol
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721 South Jackson Avenue • Russellville • 256-332-3850 • After Hours: 256-332-2230 Board Members; James McDuffa, Chairman Nick Willis, Vice Chairman Arthur Elliott, Secretary/Treasurer Bill Jackson, Board Member Chad Wells, Board Member Charles Canida, General Manager Harlan “PJ” Winston, Accounting/Bookkeeping Sherry Smith, Executive Assistant
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Dan Terry – Chair Richard Tutich Joe Graham
Tim Smith Harold Mitchell Eric Hill, General Manager
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RUSSELLVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT 400 N. Jackson Ave. | Russellville 256-332-2230
“I
t’s got to be more than a job. If you’re doing it as a job, I don’t think your heart’s probably in the right place.” Those words encapsulate Russellville Police Chief Chris Hargett’s view when it comes to community policing. Hargett, a 1986 Russellville alumnus who has been with the RPD almost 17 years and served at the sheriff’s office for 14 years before that, speaks with the voice of experience. His view is informed by his years as a reserve deputy, jailer, dispatcher, deputy and chief investigator at the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office before transitioning into the chief’s role at the RPD. “The way we police has changed dramatically, and the way the public sees law enforcement has changed, especially over the past four years – although not necessarily here in Russellville,” Hargett said, pointing out that smaller towns like those in Franklin County have been largely
insulated from the social unrest toward law enforcement in larger metropolitan areas. “Overall I think most of our community is very supportive of the police department.” Prior to stepping into law enforcement, Hargett worked at a mobile home plant and then as an EMT with Russellville Ambulance Service. Although he enjoyed both of those fields, he said he realized his true passion when he joined the FCSO as a reserve deputy at the encouragement of a lifelong friend at the department. “You have the enjoyment you get out of helping people plus just the excitement of some of the things going on,” Hargett said. Even in his early days as a reserve he worked long hours – even when he was offduty. “Back in those days we worked for free a lot because we loved doing it.” The long hours and other challenges were worth it because of the impact he and his fellow officers
were making through their service. “It would give you a good feeling.” That good feeling intensified as Hargett came under consideration for the chief’s role in Russellville. As he progressed through the interview process, Hargett said he began to proactively plan and suggest ways he could help grow and develop the department. “It was exciting, but also I was nervous,” Hargett said. “The first day I went into the office, I went in and shut the door and thought, ‘What have I gotten myself into?’” He did what he had to do: He got to work. Hargett led a charge to digitize files into a computerized records management system, and under his tenure the department changed its shift schedule, switching to 12-hour shifts with rotating off days. “It was a big morale builder for the officers, that they could know to plan down the road on having every other weekend off,” Hargett said.
Patrol officers at the RPD work in four shifts, led by sergeants and overseen by lieutenants. Other roles at the RPD include traffic officer, compliance officer, chaplain, investigators, dispatchers, school resource officers and a records clerk. Hargett said while the RPD is a “young department now because of retirements and turnover,” that means there’s room for growth. Although job-hopping has been an issue, he said that’s just part of the profession. “I would like to see our department grow in size as the city grows,” he said. “All we can do is the best we can do … When the community needs us, we’re here.” Hargett and his wife Paige, who just retired from working as a fourthgrade teacher at Russellville City Schools, have two children – a son who works for Mar-Jac Poultry and a daughter at the University of North Alabama studying early childhood education.
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RUSSELLVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT
DISPATCHER ADAN ABARCA Communications
RPD/Overall tenure: 3 years Best thing about job: Being able to help and give back to the community Fun fact: My favorite hobbies are working out and hiking.
OFFICER TIM BALCOM Patrol
CHAPLAIN BOBBY BROWN
RPD/Overall tenure: 6 years Best thing about job: Every day is different; it’s always something new. Fun fact: I like to play PlayStation and video games.
OFFICER REECE COAN School Resource Officer (Russellville Middle School)
RPD/Overall tenure: 12 years Best thing about job: The kids at school make my day. Family: Daughters Kara and Maggie and grandson JD Fun fact: I love Alabama football and camping at the lake.
DISPATCHER LARIZA DELGADO Communications
RPD/Overall tenure: 2 years Best thing about job: The ability to learn something new on a daily basis, and my coworkers Fun fact: I attend Athens State University.
SGT. CRAIG BULLION Patrol
RPD tenure: 5 years Other departments: FCSO Total tenure: 7 years Best thing about job: Being able to serve the community I grew up in Family: Wife, three kids and one grandchild Fun fact: I enjoy cooking on the grill or smoker.
SGT. DAKOTA DEMASTUS Patrol
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RUSSELLVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT
LT. JOE HARGETT Investigations
OFFICER DEREK HENDERSON Patrol
RPD tenure: 3 years Other departments: Haleyville PD Total tenure: 3.5 years Best thing about job: The diverse calls and catching bad guys Fun fact: My favorite hobbies are playing slow-pitch softball and working out. I also play guitar.
LT. DUSTIN LOVELADY Patrol
RPD/Overall tenure: 5 years Best thing about job: The ability to give back to a city that has taken me in as one of their own Family: Wife, five bonus children and one on the way, due in July Fun fact: I spent 20 years working on an ambulance in a neighboring county and volunteering with my community fire department as a lieutenant and EMT since 1997.
OFFICER COLIN JAMES Patrol
RPD tenure: 3 years Other departments: Lafayette County Sheriff (Mississippi), Colbert County Sheriff, Leighton PD Total tenure: 4 years Best thing about job: Being able to help make a positive difference in the direction of someone’s life Fun fact: I have a college degree in automotive collision/ repair and one in criminal justice as well.
CAPT. SCOTTY LOWERY Operations
RPD tenure: 27 years Other departments: Phil Campbell PD Total tenure: 28 years Best thing about job: Helping people Family: Wife Kellon, daughters Hannah and Haley and granddaughters Addi and Anna Fun fact: I’m a Hodgkins cancer survivor since 1986. *Retired January 2021
DISPATCHER PATTI LANDERS Communications
RPD tenure: 22 years Other departments: FCSO Total tenure: 24 years Best thing about job: Getting to help people Family: Husband Byron Fun fact: I collect Winnie the Pooh.
OFFICER CARLOS LUCAS Patrol
RPD tenure: 2 years Other departments: FCSO Total tenure: 4 years Best thing about job: Everything Fun fact: I own two dogs.
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RUSSELLVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT
SGT. NICK MCCORMICK Patrol
RPD tenure: 1 year Other departments: Lawrence County Sheriff Total tenure: 6 years Best thing about job: Criminal/narcotics interdiction. It’s a feeling like no other when you find a load of illegal drugs or a person that is wanted. Family: Girlfriend Greer Hart and baby on the way Fun fact: I like to do anything that gets me outdoors.
OFFICER KRISTA MCLENNON Patrol
RPD/Overall tenure: 3 years Best thing about job: Helping people Family: Wife Fun fact: I’m going back to school for nursing.
OFFICER DAVID ROMANS Patrol
RPD/Overall tenure: 12 years Best thing about job: Interaction with the community Family: Wife and one son Fun fact: Nothing makes me prouder than watching my son play and be part of the Russellville Golden Tiger baseball team.
SGT. ANTONIO MELECIO Patrol
RPD/Overall tenure: 4 years Best thing about job: I like to get out and earn the trust of the community and kids. Family: A daughter and a son Fun fact: I like spending time with my kids, family and friends, and I like watching Auburn football in the fall.
DISPATCHER DEREK RUSSELL Communications
LT. MIKE MILLER Patrol
RPD/Total tenure: 9 years Best thing about job: The level of responsibility entrusted to us Family: Wife Alisha and two daughters Fun fact: I served as an infantryman in the Army’s 101st Airborne Division.
LT. BRIAN SHACKELFORD *retired January 2021
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RUSSELLVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT
OFFICER CHAD SHEFFIELD Traffic
RPD/Overall tenure: 15 years Best thing about job: Serving the community of Russellville and its citizens Fun fact: I coached intramural ping pong at NorthwestShoals.
SGT. JORDAN TESTERMAN Investigations
LT. JAKE TOMPKINS Investigations
RPD/Overall tenure: 5 years Best thing about job: Investigating, interviewing suspects, solving crimes Family: Son Judge Demastus Fun fact: I love spending time with my son.
RPD tenure: 13 years Other departments: FCSO Total tenure: almost 15 years Best thing about job: The experience working with different people each day Family: Wife Kayla and daughter Andersyn Blake Fun fact: My hobbies are cooking, mowing grass, playing tea party with Andersyn and drinking coffee with Kayla on the back porch.
OFFICER SAMMIE WASHINGTON School Resource Officer (West Elementary School)
SGT. BRANDI WHITELEY Records
RPD tenure: 4 years Other departments: Northwest-Shoals Total tenure: 35 years Best thing about job: Teaching the kids Family: Wife Penny
RPD/Total tenure: 14 years Best thing about job: Meeting new people and helping the community Fun fact: I enjoy anything outdoors and practice taxidermy on the side.
OFFICER JOSH TOMPKINS School Resource Officer (Russellville High School)
RPD tenure: 13 years Other Departments: FCSO Total tenure: 17 years Best thing about job: How each day is different Family: Wife Heather, son Weston and daughter Lauren Fun fact: I play video games and fish a lot.
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RED BAY POLICE DEPARTMENT 112 Fifth Ave. SE | Red Bay 256-356-4455
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s the Red Bay chief of police since 2009 – and the first female to rise to the role – Chief Janna Jackson knows a thing or two about community policing. Her foray into law enforcement began as a part-time dispatcher after taking criminal justice in college, and she was hired on to the Red Bay Department full time in 1996. “I just had a desire to help people,” explained Jackson. “I wanted to try to make a difference in the community.” In addition to being the first female chief, Jackson was also the first female officer in any capacity, hiring in as a patrol officer. “That was my dream – getting to be an actual police officer – so I was glad to get that opportunity,” Jackson said. Contrary to the situation some women in law enforcement have faced, Jackson said she was readily welcomed at Red Bay and not treated any differently from her male colleagues. “I think
everything went well. We just knew there was a job to do.” When the chief’s role came open, the police committee encouraged her to take the position. “It just seemed like God opened that door. I prayed about it,” Jackson said. “We have a great bunch of officers, dispatchers and reserve officers who really want to serve the community. They do a great job, and it makes my job go a lot more smoothly.” The Red Bay department, Jackson said, is blessed to be surrounded by a supportive community and city council. “It’s often that we get specific support, where someone will come by and bring food, or I’ll see someone out in town who lets me know they are praying for our department,” she said. “We’re really blessed with good support.” She credited the city council and mayor specifically with always standing behind the local police force and enabling RBPD to upgrade technology and purchase new
equipment as the need arises. “We continually have to be growing and moving forward or we get behind,” Jackson said. She and her officers are determined “to do what we can for the safety of the community, to try to help people in their time of need and be proactive in stopping criminal activity before it starts.” Red Bay’s police force fills a variety of needs. Officers work regular patrols throughout the city, and the department has an investigator as well as a separate K9 unit to investigate narcotics. Officers keep up their training, with Capt. Scotty Belue leading the charge. In addition to being able to help people through their worst situations in life, Jackson said another rewarding part of her job is “seeing younger officers come into law enforcement and helping to support them and watch them start a whole career in law enforcement. That’s rewarding
– when you see them growing and helping people in the community.” Of course, not every story of trying to help someone in need has a happy ending. “Sometimes you see people who are in bad situations and choose to stay in the those situations – and we really like to see people receive help and make those changes to have a better life for them and their families,” Jackson said. “We do our part to try to help.” Jackson said although Red Bay is fortunate to have the community’s support, she knows many of her fellow officers across the nation do not receive that same response from the community. The current climate makes her think of terrible times warned about in the Bible, “when people call good evil and evil good.” “Police are a necessity. There has to be civil order in cities, for the protection of the city, to keep law and order,” Jackson said. “Without law and order, there’s chaos.”
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RED BAY POLICE DEPARTMENT
CAPT. RODNEY BELUE Patrol/Administrative RBPD tenure: 13 years Other departments: FCSO, Hackleburg PD and Tuscumbia PD Total tenure: 23 years Best thing about job: The desire to serve the public, to contribute my part to public safety and having a job that is not just a job Family: Wife Carla McKelroy and children Allyson Elliott and McKenna McKelroy Fun fact: I enjoy family fun/outdoor activities including camping, fishing, hiking and hunting.
OFFICER ORLANDO GATES Patrol
RBPD tenure: 1 year Other departments: FCSO and Fulton PD Total tenure: 14 years Best thing about job: Helping others overcome their problems/situations
CAPT. SCOTTIE BELUE Patrol/Administrative RBPD/Overall tenure: 23 years Other departments: Hackleburg PD, Tuscumbia PD, Tiffin security Best thing about job: Helping others, educating others and seeing positive outcomes from any situation Family: Wife, two sons, one daughter, two daughters-inlaw and six grandchildren Fun fact: I love to travel and enjoy just about any outdoor activities, including camping, and spoiling my grandchildren.
INVESTIGATOR KYLE GOBER Investigations
RBPD/Overall tenure: 3 years Best thing about job: Finding evidence and being able to close a case Family: Wife and two children
RESERVE OFFICER ANDY DEATON Patrol
DISPATCHER LYN GOSS Communications/Jail
RBPD/Overall tenure: 10 years Best thing about job: My coworkers Family: Husband Ken, three married children and four grandchildren Fun fact: I love cooking and spending time with my family.
DISPATCHER CINDY EMERSON Communications/Jail
RBPD tenure: 10 years Best thing about job: My coworkers Family: Husband, two daughters and a son-in-law Fun fact: I like running and working out with coworkers.
DISPATCHER MIKE GRESHAM Communications /Jail
RBPD/Overall tenure: 16 years Other departments: EMS, 23 years Best thing about job: When court and mental health systems actually work and you can actually help others Family: One daughter and son-in-law and three grandchildren
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RED BAY POLICE DEPARTMENT
OFFICER CHRIS HILL Patrol
RBPD tenure: 5 months Other departments: Russellville PD Total tenure: 2 years Best thing about job: Having the opportunity to be a positive influence on someone’s life Family: Wife Meghan and three children plus one on the way Fun fact: I enjoy eating, and I’m a dessert fanatic.
RESERVE OFFICER/DISPATCHER BRITNI PHILLIPS Patrol/Communications
RBPD tenure: 3 years Best thing about job: I enjoy working with THE BEST officers and dispatchers! Family: Husband and two dogs Fun fact: I enjoy reading a good book!
SGT. CHAD HOLCOMBE Narcotics/K-9 Unit
OFFICER DAGGER K-9 Unit
DISPATCHER CANDACE ROBINSON Communications/Jail
OFFICER RANDAL VANDIVER Patrol
RBPD tenure: 4 years Other departments: FCSO Total tenure: 8 years Best thing about job: Working with my partner K-9 Dagger to get drugs off the streets. I also enjoy working with my coworkers. Family: Wife Courtney and children Jayden Smith and Calei and Colt Holcombe Fun fact: I play golf in my spare time. I have an older (and uglier) brother who is an investigator at the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.
RBPD tenure: 4 years Best thing about job: I have been supported by all my coworkers. This department has been like a family to me. Family: Husband Chase Fun fact: Investigator Kyle Gober is my little brother. Cindy Emerson and I plan on running 2021 miles in 2021.
RBPD tenure: 4 months Other departments: Tuscaloosa PD Total tenure: 3 years Best thing about job: I enjoy the opportunity to meet new/interesting people and help those who need it. Family: Wife and two children
OFFICER KIERAN JACKSON Patrol
RBPD/Overall tenure: 1 year Best thing about job: Getting to interact with the fantastic people of this great city Family: One daughter, Lucy Jane Fun fact: Attitude goes a long way.
RESERVE OFFICER PATRICK WHITE Patrol
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DISTRICT ATTORNEY INVESTIGATORS
W
ithin the walls of the Franklin Courthouse are people involved in every stage of the justice system. Working with Franklin County district attorney Joey Rushing are two part-time investigators who are integral to the process of bringing criminals to justice. Terry Zills has been with the DA’s office since 1999, transitioning to parttime work three years ago in conjunction with retirement. Mike Prince has been with the department almost three years, following his retirement from the Russellville Police Department. The two investigators serve similar roles although each has niche duties. Rushing said Zills is charged with locating witnesses, handling subpoenas, interviewing witnesses and serving warrants for the worthless check unit. Prince, on the other hand, serves as the grand jury coordinator for the office, working with officers to get everything lined up for cases coming before a grand jury. In addition, as certified law enforcement officers, “they both assist other law enforcement agencies anytime there’s an issue they need help on,” explained Rushing, who said he emphasizes to other departments that the DA investigators are available whenever needed. “We have a really good working relationship,” with departments across the county, Rushing added. To that end, Prince and Zills often come alongside local officers when a larger police presence is needed, such as during a car chase or foot pursuit. One of them will also sometimes accompany an officer serving a high-risk arrest warrant. They also serve in their capacities to keep peace within the courthouse, stepping in to handle court disturbances or disputes that might arise while court is in session. Rushing and assistant DA Jeff Barksdale work closely with law enforcement officers throughout Franklin County, and Rushing said they have the greatest respect for that
The Franklin County Times
would like to say THANK YOU,
TO OUR BRAVE LAW ENFORCEMENT HEROES. The staff of the Franklin County Times
“Preparing our Students for the Future” TERRY ZILLS DA investigator
Greg Hamilton Superintendent of Franklin County Schools Pre-K - 12th grade
We nurture success in our classrooms… Teaching valuable organization and study skills, academic support, technical subjects, fine arts, and vocational/technical skills. We equip students with the confidence, tools and knowledge they need to succeed at every level.
Thank you, to our law enforcement agencies and first responders for your dedicated service and sacrifice to keep our communities safe.
MIKE PRINCE DA investigator relationship and for the tasks law enforcement officers must carry out. “The primary goal in every situation is to try to work out the situation the best you can. None of them want to be involved in a violent situation or one that leads to injury to a suspect,” Rushing said. “They are trying to do their job, enforce the law and keep the peace.” Rushing said in his more than 20 years working with police, he has found them to be hard-working professionals. “They are doing the best they can to enforce the law and be fair to everybody.”
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PHIL CAMPBELL POLICE DEPARTMENT 580 Railroad St. | Phil Campbell 205-993-5313
W
ith a new full-time officer on the job, along with the department’s four parttime officers, Police Chief Joe Fike is keeping things running smoothly in Phil Campbell. When Fike became chief in 2017 after 17-year chief Merrell Potter retired, he came to Franklin County from working as the assistant chief at Courtland for eight years. Despite Courtland’s size – definitively smaller than Phil Campbell – the police department there had four fulltime officers, and Fike immediately found a challenge in Phil Campbell’s smaller force. “I went for over three years without a full-time officer up here,” he said. Despite the staffing challenge, Fike said he was excited for his opportunity to serve as chief of police, adding to his experience in law enforcement. He first began in the field at the Lawrence County
Sheriff’s Office and harbors a dream of one day serving as the sheriff there. A Mount Hope 2000 graduate, he attended Northwest-Shoals Community College but has been in law enforcement since age 19. “I was so young when I went in that they had to send a letter to the governor for me to be able to carry a firearm,” said Fike, who got his training at the Jacksonville State University Police Academy. “I’ve seen a lot of change in my years,” added Fike. “Being in law enforcement is difficult now, and it’s getting more difficult each day.” In his early years in the field, Fike recalls relying on pagers and pay phones as he and his fellow officers responded to calls across Lawrence County. Police vehicles weren’t equipped with the technology officers enjoy today. “When I started, you had a three-ring binder, and it had all your churches, cemeteries and specific directions from landmarks in
the county – a lot of which aren’t even there anymore,” Fike said. “There was no GPS whatsoever. You had to know the county.” Although aspects like improved technology have made policing easier, Fike said other factors – like the current attitude nationwide
toward police – have made it more challenging. In particular, he said he feels negative media have made recruitment a challenge, with much of that “bad press” undeserved. “There are bad apples in the field, without a doubt, but there’s a lot of of good apples too,” he said. “There are a lot fo people who go above and beyond to bring a lot of good to the world.” For Fike serving in law enforcement brings a sense of fulfillment in the ability to help people. “I enjoy the community,” Fike said. “There’s some people who hate us, but there’s a lot more out there who appreciate what we do. “I’ve been a public servant all my life, he added. “It’s those opportunities when you answer a call and you see that you put a little light in the world … It’s rewarding, very rewarding. That’s what makes you get up and do the job – those days when you feel like you’ve actually helped somebody.”
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Bringing a little light into the world has become a crucial part of law enforcement, Fike said. He particularly remembers his early days at Phil Campbell, when he worked four suicides in one year. “It was pretty dark times for people,” Fike said. “We see people when they are at their worst – when they’ve hit rock bottom or they are really going through some serious suffering.” In addition to new full-time officer Jessica Clements, who came to Phil Campbell after starting in the Russellville department and doing a brief stint as a state trooper, PCPD has four part-time officers who also work at the sheriff’s office: Ryan Zedrow, Billy Burks, Michael Ritchie and Chase White. Fike is also accustomed to collaborating with other departments across the county, whether he’s in need of their assistance, or they are in need of his. “I know every one of the officers in Franklin County, pretty much, and we’ve got all good people who
JESSICA CLEMENTS Patrol are in it for the right reasons,” Fike said. “Our people in Franklin County are the cream of the crop. They want to help. They want to do what’s right.” Fike’s wife Shannon teaches nursing at Lawrence County Career Tech, and the couple has three dogs and a 100-head cattle operation, along with four breeder chicken houses.
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Franklin County Law Enforcement, Thank you for keeping our communities safe. Thank you
A WORD OF PRAISE
for your service. Thank you for your bravery and our heroes. To each and every one of you, THANK YOU! Sincerely,
Senator Larry Stutts
Franklin County Sheriff Shannon Oliver, Russellville Police Chief Chris Hargett, Red Bay Police Chief Janna Jackson and Phil Campbell Police Chief Joe Fike discuss the goings-on in their law enforcement jurisdictions across the county. When it comes to sentiments of gratitude, elected officials from across Franklin County have the following to share about local law enforcement:
Funded by Stutts for Senate, P.O. Box 1014, Tuscumbia, AL 35674
“V
ina doesn’t have a police force, although in years past we have, and it’s always been a desire of mine to have law enforcement. We depend on Franklin County, and I appreciate Shannon and his men for what they do with the manpower they have … I know they do the best they can, and I appreciate them. And I appreciate law enforcement in general, overall. It felt good to lay your head down at night knowing you have someone watching over you and taking care of you … I’m grateful we have men and women who are willing to put their lives on the line for us day and night. It’s a sacrifice.” —MICHAEL MOOMAW Mayor, Town of Vina
“I
don’t have enough words to thank our law enforcement for the good job they do for Franklin County and our surrounding cities. It’s good to know that when they are on the scene, everything is under control. Thank you for keeping our community safe.” —JASON MILLER Franklin County Commissioner
Thank you First Responders! McDonald’s of Colbert County and Russellville
“I
’m wholeheartedly for every police officer. They risk their lives for not near enough money – not only our deputies but the state troopers and city law enforcement. I would just like to thank them for being unselfish servants. I’m 110 percent for all law enforcement. I feel bad for what they have had to put up with.” —CHRIS WALLACE Franklin County Commissioner
“I
am very thankful to our law enforcement for the job they do each and every day for me.” —DAVID GRISSOM Mayor, City of Russellville
“I
’m very proud of our police and first responders. I have the upmost respect for them, and personally I think they are underpaid for the risk they are taking, that they are involving their bodies and families in. I’m just extremely thankful.” —DARREN WOODRUFF Councilman, City of Russellville
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“I
n a time when you hear ‘defund police’ and all that’s going on in the world today, I would just like to say thank you. I don’t do it all the time, but I’ve got a blue light in my lamp in my front yard, and when I think about it, I’ll go out there and turn it on. That’s just in support of our police officers and our first responders. We live in a good town, and we’ve got good police officers we know we can count on.” —GARY CUMMINGS Councilman, City of Russellville
Elected to Serve Dedicated to Excellence
“I
really appreciate their effort – especially with the way COVID’s going and with all the racial stuff going on right now, it would be very hard to be a law enforcement person, man or woman. They really don’t get paid as much as they really deserve when it comes to what they do, protecting us and checking on things. I do really appreciate what they do.” —DAVID HESTER Franklin County Commissioner
“W
ords cannot express my sincere appreciation and respect for our local law enforcement. The City of Red Bay is blessed with committed law enforcement personnel who go over and beyond to protect and serve our city. From a mayor’s standpoint, it is a great blessing when you ultimately know that your city is in the hands of law enforcement personnel who take their jobs seriously and are committed to excellence in their profession. I personally thank each employee of the Red Bay Police Department for giving the City of Red Bay “the best” in law enforcement!”
L to R: Chris Wallace, District 1; Jason Miller, District 2; Joseph Baldwin, District 3; David Hester, District 4; seated Barry Moore, Chairman and Probate Judge.
Franklin County Commission
—CHARLENE FANCHER Mayor, City of Red Bay
“I
just want to say thank you to all of the police officers and first responders we have. These men and women are willing to lay their lives down to protect mine and my family. I don’t know what greater sacrifice someone could offer.” —JAMIE HARRIS Councilman, City of Russellville
“I
think they’re doing a good job. We’ve got a new second shift officer, and she’s doing a wonderful job, and our chief of police is doing a good job running the police department. He’s a great asset to Phil Campbell. All of Franklin County’s police and sheriff’s department are an asset. They’re out here doing a job not many want to do. They’re doing a great job keeping everybody safe.”
Franklin County Sheriff’s Office “Working Hard to Keep Your Home Safe”
—MIKE MCQUARY Mayor, Town of Phil Campbell
“T
hey have an incredibly tough job, especially today more than ever. Politics has entered into the world of law enforcement, and I think that’s the absolute worst possible thing that’s ever happened in this country. I am so proud of our guys and all those people who lay it on the line every day.” —DAVID PALMER Councilman, City of Russellville
“T
heir job has gotten more dangerous recently. I’ve ridden with some of these guys on duty, and I see how dangerous it is. My hat’s off to them, and my heart goes out to them and their family for the danger they go through. I really admire what they do. It’s a special person who does something like that.” —JOSEPH BALDWIN Franklin County Commissioner
“I
would like to thank all the law enforcement officers that serve our county and protect our families. You’re doing a great job! Stay safe.” —BARRY MOORE Chairman, Franklin County Commission
Sheriff’s Office 256-332-8811 Dispatch-24hr 256-332-8820 Franklin County Sheriff app
Sheriff Shannon Oliver
www.franklinsheriff.org
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ALABAMA BUREAU OF PARDONS AND PAROLES
P
CLAY HENSON Officer in Charge
SCOTT KING Officer
robation and parole officers with the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles protect communities by supervising parolees and probationers through risk assessments, home visits, drug screenings and investigations. Rehabilitation for adult offenders is a crucial element of the job. In Franklin County, the Russellville Field Office includes senior officer in charge Officer Clay Henson, Officer Scott King and administrative support assistant Delta Smith. Henson has been with the Bureau in the Russellville field office for 18 years, and Scott has been in the role about five years. “This office usually supervises 150-200 people at any given time,” said Henson. “It’s a smaller caseload than a lot of other offices in bigger areas, but most of your rural offices are going to have around that number.” Day to day, Henson and King have people reporting into their office – located in the Byars Building in downtown Russellville – and also spend time visiting parolees residences to ensure they are living where they say they are. The job also involves helping former felons regain rights they have lost, such as gun rights and voting rights. “No two days are the same,” Henson said, “and it’s very different from being a patrol officer or something like that.” “Under the present adult probation law,” explains the state website, “Alabama has a statewide uniform administration of probation. Probation officers are sworn law enforcement officers with arrest powers and must meet the training requirements of the Peace Officers Minimum Standards and Training Act.” In a world without probation and parole officers, “you would either have to have a lot more jail space or you would have a lot more crime,” Henson said. “Drug use would be out of control.” “You can’t put everybody in prison. There’s only so much room, no matter how big a prison is,” Henson said. “We’re here to help the people who are capable of living in the community but have issues that could cause them to get back into trouble.” Henson and Green work to lessen that risk of recidivism.
JUVENILE PROBATION
T
here’s one big misconception people have about Franklin County’s juvenile probation officers. The fact is, juvenile probation officers are not law enforcement; rather, they are officers of the court. Acting under the direction of juvenile court judge Paula McDowell, Kevin Strickland and Jacob Green carry out an array of duties related to overseeing juvenile offenders – which can include those who have committed a crime as well runaways, truancy and dependency cases. The pair are involved as intake officers for any case coming before the court, and they enforce the penalties handed down by McDowell, whether that’s setting a child or family up with counseling, working within the school system to address a truancy issue or facilitating the placement of a child into a different living situation or juvenile detention. “Basically, our jobs are to do whatever the juvenile court judge wants us to do,” Strickland explained. “We make sure they are following the rules of probation, attending school, maintaining passing grades … We’re just making sure people are doing what the judge has ordered them to do,” – or, in the case of those who violate their probation restrictions, “getting them back before the court to face whatever consequences they may get.” Prior to 2000, juvenile probation officers were county employees. Strickland said that structure meant juvenile cases were processed differently from county to county. With an eye toward creating more uniformity, the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts took over the juvenile probation system in 2000. Although Strickland and Green perform similar duties to law enforcement officers in some ways, their designation as officers of the court sets them apart from other LEOs – a distinction which Strickland said has at times been confusing for officers and regular citizens alike. In their role as juvenile probation officers, Strickland and Green find that each day is different. “You’re generally
KEVIN STRICKLAND Chief juvenile probation officer
JACOB GREEN Juvenile probation officer doing different things different days, not doing the same thing all the time, so that helps keep it interesting,” said Strickland, who has been a juvenile probation officer for 28 years. “Even if you’re processing the same thing, it’s different because it’s different people.” He said being able to help people is rewarding, although “some people don’t want to be helped. That’s frustrating.” Strickland said people need to understand that when it comes to the terms of a juvenile sentence, each instance is different and must be handled differently – and according to the law. Even cases that might appear similar from the outside can warrant vastly different consequences.
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HISTORY IN HEADLINES
F
ranklin County Times houses archived newspapers dating back to the 1940s, and the Franklin County Archives houses copies dating even further back. Here is a sampling of headlines from years gone by that provide just a small snapshot of how crimefighting and peace-keeping have changed – and stayed constant – over the passage of time. Jan. 16, 1941 — RAID MADE: Sheriff D.C. Nix and Deputy Robert Kimbrough raided a 120-gallon copper still Saturday morning in the southwest part of the county between Big and Little Bear Creeks. The still was destroyed and 450 gallons of beer poured out. No arrests were made. Jan. 30, 1941 — SHERIFF NIX GETS 500-GALLON OUTFIT: Sheriff Nix and his deputies Wednesday captured a 500-gallon copper still and poured out 1,500
gallons of beer during a raid in the Scott community in the southwest part of the county. Sheriff Nix has average about one still a week in this section, and he stated today the bunch there were the most determined men he’d ever seen to make illegal liquor. “But we are just as determined, and we’ll keep tearing them up as fast as they put them up.” Nov. 12, 1953 – THREE ARE JAILED, ONE IS SOUGHT IN BURGLARY: A report to the parole officer proved the undoing of a Russellville youth this week when he sold a stolen watch and lighter the same trip, according to Police Chief M.C. Kimbrough. He and three other youths were jailed on charges of burglary and grand larceny in the removal of at least $250 in merchandise from Whitten’s Jewelry, Russellville, in a weekend spree.
May 5, 1959 – CONVICT SEIZED AFTER ESCAPING FROM CAMP: A prisoner at Russellville Convict Camp is being returned to Kilby Prison in Montgomery and charged with escape after running away from the prison here late Wednesday. He had served more than six years of an eight-year sentence for grand larceny. Aug. 11, 1959 – SHERIFF PICKS UP FRANKLIN VIOLATORS: Sheriff James Hovater left Russellville Friday for Xenia, Ohio, to get Jack Lawler, wanted in Franklin County on several charges of grand larceny and transporting prohibited liquor. The Franklin County officials will go from Xenia to Chicago, where they will pick up Woodrow Allen, who violated his probation by leaving the state. Feb. 22, 1962 – POLICE WILL ENFORCE NEW TRAFFIC RULES: Police chief Bobby Burns issued a
statement today that if the no parking and one-way street rules at the elementary and junior high schools were not obeyed, then he would be forced to prosecute the guilty parties. The traffic problems at the two schools have been acute for some time, and the problem was approached through a PTA committee recently. July 30, 1964 – TROOPERS SHOW SAFETY STATE CAR: Franklin County motorists this week might get a chance to check their speedometers for accuracy when a special designed highway patrol car is scheduled to demonstrate in the county. The car, the only one of its kind in the state, has a speedometer on top and will show motorists whether the speedometer in their car is correct. Also on the car is a sign saying “Check You Speed No. 1 Killer.” Nov. 11, 1972 – CITY POLICE CHIEF DEDICATION CITED: “The
Thank you for making Franklin County a safer place to live, work and play
We would be honored to assist you in prearranging your services or in your time of need.
32
people of Russellville should know the dedication of City Police Chief Anderson Ayers, who stayed on duty for 32 hours, patrolled the town alone and during the time broke a case after a break-in and burglary,” Mayor Ralph Bishop said. The case involved a break—in at TG&Y around 3 a.m. Thursday, when an estimated $1,200 in merchandise was taken. Four youths, from 16-20 years of age, have been charged with grand larceny and/or burglary. Oct. 27, 1977 – STOLEN TURCK FOUND; YOUTHS IN CUSTODY: Two Russellville youths, both juveniles, were returned to Franklin County late last week from Nashville, Tennessee., and charged with stealing a pick-up truck from a Rockwood parking lot. Franklin County Sheriff Glen Demastus said the 1976 truck, owned by Larry Cox of Russellville, was found in Iuka, Miss., and returned to its owner. Demastus said the two boys apparently drove the truck to Iuka and then traveled to Nashville, where they were arrested by the local police. March 10, 1982 – PLANS ANNOUNCED FOR DETENTION CELL: “One is better than nothing said Franklin County Juvenile Probation Officer Max Todd after approval was given by the Franklin County Commission to finance alterations for a state-approved juvenile cell. Todd added the cell will provide a place to hold juvenile offenders charged with what are termed violent crimes. “We have had to release them in the past,” Todd said. July 24, 2985 – SUSPECT KILLED IN SHOOTOUT AT RUSSELLVILLE CEMETERY: A suspect in the armed robbery of a Lawrence County grocery store was fatally wounded when he drew down on law officers following his apprehension Tuesday on the Franklin, Colbert County line. Larry Stotts, 32, of Courtland was pronounced dead at 12:55 p.m., approximately one hour after
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Russellville Police Lt. Jeff Michael poses with the drug dog Russellville acquired in 2012, Bama. the incident occurred. Stotts was struck in the forehead by one of the officers during the confrontation. Stotts had led authorities on a high-speed chase across Franklin County. May 13, 1990 – CITY, COUNTY LAW OFFICERS ATTEND DUI TRAINING: Several Franklin County and Russellville law enforcement officers this week participated in a seminar designed to help them encourage teens not to drink and drive. Sponsored by Ford Motor Co., the three-day “scared stiff” school was held at Florence’s Comfort Inn. Among those attending were Sgt. Mike Mayfield and Reserve Deputy Tim Smith of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department and Chief Donnie McGuire, Lt. William Nale, Sgt. Danny Price, Sgt. Merrell Potter, Sgt. Wyman Pounders and Sgt. David Hester, all of the Russellville Police Department. May 4, 1994 – JAIL ESCAPE IS THWARTED: An inmate attempted to escape from the Franklin County Jail Friday night, according to
Sheriff Larry Plott. Plott said a jailer discovered the inmate prying open the bars of a jail window. According to Plott, a number of escapes from the jail have been attempted, but none have been successful. July 4, 2001 – MAN SHOT AT HIS HOME BY UNKNOWN ASSAILANT: A Russellville man is in stable condition at ECM Hospital after being shot in the chest at his home Monday night. William Bradley Franks, 21, was shot by an unknown assailant in the back yard of his Madison Street home, according to Russellville Police Chief Donnie McGuire. The motive for the shooting is under investigation by the Russellville Police Department. McGuire said Lt. William Nale is heading the investigation. Feb. 13, 2005 – GRANT EQUALS NEW EQUIPMENT FOR FCSO: Franklin County Sheriff Larry Plott remains modest about his ability to secure grant funds to purchase needed equipment for his department. This week, Plott announced the purchase of seven sets of «Stop Sticks» and a video camera to be
used inside a deputy’s car, all procured with a $3,000 grant from the Highway Safety Commission. The video camera, mounted inside a department vehicle, is used to document events when an officer pulls over a driver. The Stop Sticks are used to puncture the tires of vehicles that won’t stop or attempt to elude officers. Dec. 4, 2006 – BELGREEN WOMAN SAYS ARREST SAVED HER LIFE: Most people would consider being arrested the worst day of their life, but one Belgreen woman says that it saved her life. Ann Gookin, of Belgreen, found herself calling the police for help a few weeks ago. She was having car trouble, and it was very late, and she needed help. The dispatcher sent out an officer who found the problem right away and made sure she made it to work safely. «Calling the police is a big deal for me because I have a trust issues with the police because of past experiences,» Gookin said. Gookin found herself on the other side of the law almost a decade ago. She is a recovering drug addict and alcoholic and believes that if she had not been arrested for driving while impaired, she would have killed herself or someone else. May 1, 2010 – MULTI-COUNTY RAID NETS 175 ARRESTS: More than 60 people were arrested by Franklin County law enforcement agencies this week during a five-county methamphetamine round up. In all, 175 people were arrested as part of Operation SINUS in Lauderdale, Colbert, Franklin, Marion and Winston counties. May 19, 2010 – AUTHORITIES SEARCH FOR SUSPECTS INVOLVED IN WEEKEND BREAK-INS AND THEFTS: Authorities had their hands full over the weekend responding to several break-ins in the city of Russellville. The Russellville Police Department has been working to pinpoint the suspects involved and only believe a few are connected. May 18, 2013 – BANQUET HONORS LAW ENFORCEMENT: This past week, communities across the country celebrated National Police Memorial Week and honored those who serve the country’s citizens on a daily basis and those who have bravely given their lives to that service. In Franklin County, a special banquet was held on Thursday evening to show appreciation to members of the local police departments and sheriff’s office for the job they do day in and day out in this area.
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Franklin County Times
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Serving our area for over 50 years! 130 N. Jackson Ave. Russellville
Office: 256-332-1381 Fax: 256-332-4835
7317 Hwy. 81 - Phil Campbell, AL (Just off Hwy.243)
205-993-4634 • cell 256-627-2801
WINDOWS AGAIN REPLACEMENT WINDOWS
SIDING & SEAMLESS GUTTERS TVA energyright®
Pat Murray TVA Approved Contractor
Chase Sparks, Owner
256-366-8080
100 N. Jackson Ave. Russellville, Alabama
111 Lauderdale St, NE Russellville, AL 35653 Mon-Thurs 8:45 am – 4:30 pm Fri 8:45 am – 5:00 pm
256.332.8923
Federally insured by NCUA
256-332-7771
Red Bay, Alabama A Friendly City on a Progressive Path
Incorporated 1907
City of Red Bay Mayor and Councilmen
• Bay Tree Council of the Performing Arts
City of Red Bay Police Department
• Fun Park/Splash Pad • Freedom Hills River Trail
• Red Bay Museum
• Senior Citizen Center
• Weatherford Library
• Franklin West Regional
• Farmers Market
Industrial Park
• Red Bay School
• Streetscapes & Murals
• Red Bay Hospital
• Recreation & Parks
City Hall – 203 4th Ave. SE • 256-356-4473 www.cityofredbay.org
