Latest news with #HartsellePoliceDepartment
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Yahoo
Community remembers fallen officers, honors them with memorial
May 16—At the Morgan County Fallen Officers Memorial Service, Judge Takisha Gholston posed the question: How do we honor the police who have died while serving the people of Morgan County? Area law enforcement, family members of the deceased and residents gathered Thursday morning in Cotaco Park, located behind the Morgan County Courthouse, to commemorate the 10 officers who have died while on duty in Morgan County. Their deaths occurred between 1905 and 1985. "We honor them by living a life of service worthy of their sacrifice," said Gholston, Decatur's Municipal Court judge. Morgan County Sheriff Ron Puckett opened the memorial. He said law enforcement members act as public servants who love their community so much that they're willing to risk their lives every day. The service included the posting of the colors and a 21-gun salute. Two local high school students sang the National Anthem and "Amazing Grace." Jerry Baker, pastor of St. Peter Missionary Baptist Church, delivered an invocation. He referenced a passage in the Bible in which Jesus says that the greatest love is to lay down your life for your friends. An officer has not died on duty in Morgan County in 40 years, but Puckett said the job poses a risk every day. "Unfortunately, the world we live in, it could happen today; however, the really good news for us is that we live in a community that not only supports law enforcement, but they honor them," Puckett said. In the keynote address, Gholston said police demonstrate four qualities each day, which Decatur residents should also strive to uphold: humility, compassion, honor and integrity. Following a county and city proclamation, Alan McDearmond, chief of Hartselle Police Department, read the roll call of fallen officers. With each name, an agent came forward to the memorial monument and presented a rose for the deceased. "It's very humbling to be asked to do it and obviously very humbling to read the names, as well," McDearmond said. "William Biles actually was killed near Brewer (High School) a couple years before I started there." McDearmond said the loss of Morgan County Deputy Charles "Bill" Biles was at the forefront of his mind when he began to serve the same community. Biles died in 1985, and McDearmond believes that he may have stopped a school shooting with his sacrifice. The memorial offers a chance for area law enforcement to bond, McDearmond said. "It brings all the officers together, and I think that it strengthens our relationships amongst each other," he said, "to assist each other and do the best we can for all the citizens of Morgan County." Morgan County Commission Chairman Ray Long has participated in the Fallen Officers Memorial for 15 years. He expressed his respect for both the deceased and current law enforcement. "I always say it's not a job; it's a calling," Long said. "You have to be called to be in law enforcement because it's such a sacrifice that you make for yourselves and your families." Thursday's service was part of National Police Week, which started in 1962, when President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation. In 2024, 147 officers nationwide died while in the line of duty, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. In the city proclamation, Decatur Mayor Tab Bowling noted that every 58 hours, a law enforcement agent dies while on duty. "It's so important that we remember the fallen officers and we give thanks that we haven't seen that in the county since 1985," Bowling said. — or 256-340-2437
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Yahoo
Hartselle man accused of failing to register as sex offender arrested
HARTSELLE, Ala. (WHNT) — A Hartselle man was arrested after being accused of failing to register as a sex offender. The Hartselle Police Department told News 19 that officers arrested Walter Scott Simpson, 53, of Hartselle, for multiple violations of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). According to HPD, investigators became aware that Simpson had failed to report his information that was required under law. After collaboration with multiple agencies, it was determined that Simpson did not register his information intentionally. In addition, Simpson failed to register during his required time frame with the Hartselle Police Department as well. HPD said that warrants for both violations were obtained and Simpson was arrested on the same day which was Thursday, May 1. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Yahoo
Decatur man charged with Hartselle burglary
Feb. 14—A Decatur man was arrested Thursday after allegedly breaking into the Hartselle Civic Center and stealing several items on Sunday, according to an affidavit by a Hartselle police investigator. Cody Lance Hitt, 34, was charged with third-degree burglary and booked in the Morgan County Jail in lieu of a $2,500 bond, according to the Hartselle Police Department. Police said he was located and apprehended by the Cullman Police Department at a hotel there. The affidavit said Hartselle police responded to a burglary call at the civic center, and after reviewing video footage, determined a white Ford F-250 with a utility bed and a small utility trailer "backed into the shop door causing the door to open where he then entered and stole multiple tools from the buildings." Hitt's truck and trailer were identified by license plate readers, known as Flock cameras, that detected his trailer tag, according to the affidavit. The affidavit said police determined a Miller Millematic 250 welder was stolen from the Hartselle Park and Rec buildings and Hitt had posted the item for sale on Facebook. The investigator said Parks and Rec employees positively identified the welder as belonging to the city. Hartselle police said Hitt will likely face more charges as the investigation continues. — or 256-340-2442.
