Covington County Sheriff Blake Turman and the CCSO honored the police, troopers and deputies who lost their lives while on duty in the memorial ceremony for fallen heroes on the Square on May 15.

District Attorney Walt Merrell read a passage from Ecclesiastes chapter 3 that begins with verse 1 to acknowledge the sacrifice of the people who have lost their lives and making their lives for the cause.

“We are grateful to the individuals and couples who are in blue, brown, and gray who have been committed to stepping up to the obligation to serve regardless of the circumstance. I am expressing my gratitude to all you guys and gals who faithfully wear the badge that each one of the allowances for time is a fit perfectly. I am sure there are many who become tired of your work and struggle, but you’re fighting a worthy fight. Everyday, I encourage you to keep fighting for the right cause, maintain your faith, and be aware that the race you participate in is not over. We, the people of this community appreciate your dedication and appreciate the risks you take each day to return home and be with our family. The word “thank you” seems insufficient, but it is sometimes the best thing to be straightforward,” Merrell said.

An honorary wall was constructed in the vicinity at Covington County Courthouse. Covington County Courthouse on the 15th 1998 in celebration on Police Memorial Day. The names of deceased officers engraved on the wall read as below:

  • The officers Lee Clark and Edward Nix of the Opp Police Department from 1927
  • Police Officer Arnold Jackson Dorman of the Opp Police Department from 1946
  • Sergeant Raymond M. Carlton of the Alabama State Troopers from 1965
  • Trooper Brooks D. Lawson of the Alabama State Troopers from 1969
  • Police Officer Dalton King of the Red Level Police Department in the year 1970.
  • Trooper Kenyon Lassiter of the Alabama State Troopers in 1974.
  • Chief Shirley C. Turman of the Opp Police Department from 1975
  • Chief Jerry Brannon of the Opp Police Department from 1984
  • Sergeant David Campbell of the Andalusia Police Department in 1984
  • Chief Fred Burdick of the Opp Police Department in 1986.
  • Lieutenant Troy Woodall of the Alabama Beverage Control Board in the year 1990.
  • Police Officer Hubert Anderson Sr. of the Red Level Police Department from 2003
  • The officer Michael Brandon Lassiter of the Covington Sheriff’s Office of Covington County since 2004
  • Sheriff’s Deputy William Heath Kelley of the Covington County Sheriff’s Office from 2014

“These men have made the most enduring sacrifice, and the best thing we’re able to do is give them a deserved tribute today. I’d like to see each one of you stop by the memorial and look up the names. They did all they could to protect you and provide you with the best community to be a part of. It’s been a pleasure to have the privilege of meeting some families I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting before, and have known certain families throughout my life. We would like to assure you the fact that, as a law enforcement official, we will always be there to ensure your safety. We’re not your enemy we will remain your best friend,” Turman said.

Many of the fallen officers were accompanied by family members and loved ones during the ceremony.

The Covington County Sheriff’s Department is located at 290 Hillcrest Drive in Andalusia. For more information, call 334-428-2640.

The article Remembering the Fallen: CCSO pays tribute to fallen officers in a special event on the square appeared at The Andalusia Star-News.