CENTRAL ALABAMA CRIMESTOPPERS

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2023 AWARD WINNERS

 

Central Alabama CrimeStoppers Presents CrimeStoppers Dallas County Sheriff’s Office Officer of the Year to Sergeant Keevin J. Lowe

 

On Monday, May 8, 2023, Central Alabama CrimeStoppers had the honor to recognize Sergeant Keevin J. Lowe as the 2022 Dallas County Sheriff’s Office CrimeStoppers Officer of the Year Award.

 

Sergeant Keevin J. Lowe has been in law enforcement for four years and is currently the second shift patrol supervisor. Sgt. Lowe became a deputy because he knew it was his calling. He wanted to help people in need and make a positive impact on society.  He is known to be punctual and constantly displays excellent work behaviors in every facet of the job. Sgt. Lowe is highly organized and has the unwavering ability to collaborate with other agencies. He is consistently willing to go above and beyond the call of duty in an effort to get the job done. He is an outstanding leader and holds the deputies on his shift to the highest of expectations.

 

Sergeant Keevin J. Lowe is an asset to his agency. He displays professionalism and a strong work ethic while going above and beyond to ensure the residents of Dallas County are provided with the highest quality service.

On behalf of Central Alabama CrimeStoppers, it is our honor to present Sergeant Keevin J. Lowe, as the 2022 Dallas County Sheriff’s Office CrimeStoppers Officer of the Year Award.

 

CrimeStoppers will select twenty-five officers and one school resource officer from our partnering agencies to be selected as their agency’s Officer of the Year. Each officer will be provided with a tactical bag that contains assorted gifts donated by our friends at Gulf States Distributors of Montgomery. Sergeant Keevin J. Lowe along with the other recipients will be nominated for Central Alabama CrimeStoppers State Officer of the Year. Upon selection, the recipient will not only receive the highest of accolades but will also receive a commemorative 2022 Alabama Officer of the Year plaque, a brand-new Ruger Max9 Pistol Model 3500, provided by Gulf States Distributors.

 

Central Alabama CrimeStoppers Presents Gadsden Police Department Officer of the Year to Three Officers

 

Tuesday, May 9, 2023, Central Alabama CrimeStoppers had the honor to present Sergeant Danny Haas, Officer Alec Burgess, and Officer Chris Phillips, with the title of Gadsden City Police Department’s 2022 CrimeStoppers Officers of the Year.

 

Sergeant Danny Haas, Officer Alec Burgess, and Officer Chris Phillips went above and beyond the call of duty by placing themselves in danger to save the life of a distraught individual on November 18, 2022.

 

On November 18, 2022, officers arrived at the Railroad Bridge within 90 seconds of being dispatched to a call regarding a person in distress. Officers arrived on the scene of Albert Rains Boulevard in the midst of heavy traffic where some vehicles were traveling at least 45 miles per hour. They came upon a distraught person and a vehicle that had been disabled. Officers were able to approach and grab the distraught person about the time they'd decided to jump from the bridge. The body camera displayed video that was both devastating to see and distressing to hear. They were in a place at a particular moment to be able to interact with a human being who felt unloved and underappreciated to the point of taking drastic measures that could have ended with devastating consequences.

It was incredibly uplifting to hear Sergeant Haas's first words to the person he pulled from danger - "I love you." Officer Burgess, who was in arm's reach reiterated Sarge's words and said, "I don't like heights, let's walk off this bridge together." The officers escorted the person back to the base of the bridge where the Gadsden Fire Department was waiting and administered top-notch treatment. As they approached members of the Gadsden Fire Department, the person asked the officers, "Why do y'all care what happens to me? Nobody else cares." Sergeant Hass answered, "We care. We are here because we want to be here."

The officers' actions were heroic. Their words were comforting and as a result, a life was saved. Thank you, Sergeant Danny Haas, Officer Alec Burgess, and Officer Chris Phillips for your service! You have brought great honor to our department and to the community you serve! 

On behalf of Central Alabama CrimeStoppers, it is our honor to present Sergeant Danny Haas, Officer Alec Burgess, and Officer Chris Phillips as CrimeStoppers Gadsden Police Department’s 2022 CrimeStoppers Officer of the Year.

 

CrimeStoppers will select twenty-five officers and one school resource officer from our partnering agencies to be selected as their agency’s Officer of the Year. Each officer will be provided with a tactical bag that contains assorted gifts donated by our friends at Gulf States Distributors of Montgomery. One final selection will be made for the Central Alabama CrimeStoppers State Officer of the Year. Upon selection, the recipient will not only receive the highest of accolades but will also receive a commemorative 2022 Alabama Officer of the Year plaque, a brand-new Ruger Max9 Pistol Model 3500, provided by Gulf States Distributors.

Central Alabama CrimeStoppers Presents Childersburg Police Department Officer of the Year to Officer Northcutt

 

Tuesday, May 2, 2023, Central Alabama CrimeStoppers had the honor to present Officer Micah Northcutt of the Childersburg Police Department with the 2022 Childersburg CrimeStoppers Officer of the Year Award.

 

Officer Northcutt of the Childersburg Police Department has consistently gone above and beyond any normal call of duty service, over the past year. Northcutt displays a high level of professionalism while conducting his daily duties. Northcutt is a very proactive officer and is always willing to serve his local community, even if it means working overtime to cover other patrol shifts. Northcutt strives to increase his knowledge of the job by attending law enforcement training that helps sharpen his skill sets. Northcutt is dedicated to community-based policing and as a result, has become a mentor to the community while influencing younger officers. Northcutt continually goes above and beyond to make a difference in his local community all while enhancing the profession of law enforcement.

 

Officer Northcutt is a valuable asset to his community and is having a large effect on keeping the city safe for its citizens.

 

On behalf of Central Alabama CrimeStoppers, it is our honor to present Officer Northcutt, as CrimeStoppers Childersburg Police Department’s 2022 CrimeStoppers Officer of the Year.

CrimeStoppers will select twenty-five officers and one school resource officer from our partnering agencies to be selected as their agency’s Officer of the Year. Each officer will be provided with a tactical bag that contains assorted gifts donated by our friends at Gulf States Distributors of Montgomery. Officer Northcutt along with the other recipients will be nominated for Central Alabama CrimeStoppers State Officer of the Year. Upon selection, the recipient will not only receive the highest of accolades but will also receive a commemorative 2022 Alabama Officer of the Year plaque, a brand-new Ruger Max9 Pistol Model 3500, provided by Gulf States Distributors.

 

Central Alabama CrimeStoppers Presents CrimeStoppers Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Officer of the Year to Corporal Derrick Riego

 

Monday, April 10, 2023, Central Alabama CrimeStoppers had the honor to recognize Corporal Derrick Riego as the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office 2022 CrimeStoppers Officer of the Year.

 

Corporal Riego of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office demonstrated expeditious decision-making abilities that ultimately saved the life of a fellow deputy.

 

On Saturday, April 16, 2022, Corporal Riego was on patrol in rural Montgomery County. At approximately 2:49 p.m., he heard a fellow officer, Deputy Skylar Campbell, conduct a traffic stop at Dozier Road and Eddie Tullis Road in Montgomery County, Alabama. Without hesitation, Corporal Riego immediately responded to assist Deputy Campbell as a backup unit. Upon arrival, a search of the vehicle was conducted by Deputy Campbell. As a result of the traffic stop, drugs and paraphernalia were discovered in the suspect’s vehicle. During the search, Deputy Campbell had incidental contact with what was believed to have been fentanyl. Video footage showed Deputy Campbell as he was searching through various items in the trunk of the vehicle, and then he advised Corporal Riego that he “wasn’t feeling right.” Corporal Riego recognized what was occurring and immediately notified dispatch of a “possible exposure” and made a request for medics to respond. A short time later, Deputy Campbell collapsed in the roadway in extreme respiratory distress. Without hesitation, Corporal Riego advised dispatch that Deputy Campbell had collapsed, ran to his vehicle, and retrieved his Narcan kit. Corporal Riego returned to Deputy Campbell and administered a dose of Narcan. The Narcan initially appeared to have a positive effect; however, several moments later, Deputy Campbell’s condition quickly deteriorated, and he became unresponsive again. Corporal Riego quickly administered a second dose of lifesaving Narcan and made the decision that Deputy Campbell could not wait for medical assistance to arrive at the rural area where they were located. At that time, while Deputy Campbell was conscious, Corporal Riego moved Deputy Campbell to his patrol vehicle and advised dispatch that he would be transporting Campbell, on his own, to Baptist East Hospital.

 

While enroute to the hospital, rear-seat video footage from Corporal Riego’s vehicle showed Deputy Campbell incapacitated and struggling to breathe. Deputy Campbell again lost consciousness, and a short time later, Sergeant David Alford intercepted Corporal Riego and provided Deputy Campbell with a third dose of Narcan. Several long minutes later, while maneuvering through heavy traffic in dire circumstances, Corporal Riego arrived at the intersection of McLemore Drive and Atlanta Highway. Minutes after receiving a third dose of Narcan, Deputy Campbell was lifeless again. Other deputies and Montgomery EMS assisted Corporal Riego with carrying Deputy Campbell from his vehicle to a waiting medic truck where a fourth dose of Narcan was administered. Deputy Campbell was then transported to the Baptist East Emergency Room where he received further medical treatment. His condition eventually stabilized, and he made a full recovery.

Corporal Riego is a courageous real-life hero, on behalf of Central Alabama CrimeStoppers, it is our honor to present Corporal Derrick Riego, as Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office 2022 CrimeStoppers Officer of the Year Award.

 

CrimeStoppers will select twenty-five officers and one school resource officer from our partnering agencies to be selected as their agency’s Officer of the Year. Each officer will be provided with a tactical bag that contains assorted gifts donated by our friends at Gulf States Distributors of Montgomery. Corporal Derrick Riego along with the other recipients will be nominated for Central Alabama CrimeStoppers State Officer of the Year. Upon selection, the recipient will not only receive the highest of accolades but will also receive a commemorative 2022 Alabama Officer of the Year plaque, a brand-new Ruger Max9 Pistol Model 3500, provided by Gulf States Distributors.

 

Central Alabama CrimeStoppers 2022 Media Person / Journalist of the Year

Central Alabama CrimeStoppers is pleased to announce its selection for the 2022 Media Person / Journalist of the Year. Monday, April 24, 2023, CrimeStoppers will present Carol Robinson with AL.COM as the 2022 CrimeStoppers Media Person / Journalist of the Year.

CrimeStoppers proudly has a partnership with over 80 law enforcement agencies in 30 counties across the state of Alabama. With these partnerships, the need to distribute information across the state to the millions of Alabamians they serve is a necessity. CrimeStoppers media partnerships are vital to ensuring law enforcement information for wanted felons, unsolved felony investigations, homicides, missing persons, and runaways, are being distributed in a timely and prompt manner.

CrimeStoppers greatly appreciates their many media partnerships and thanks each of them for their dedication to helping get their messaging out, but most importantly solving crime, missing person cases, and putting wanted felons behind bars.

Each year CrimeStoppers honor their law enforcement and media partners by selecting those that went above and beyond to serve their local communities. It is with great honor, that CrimeStoppers selects Reporter, Carol Robinson with ALABAMA Media Group, as the 2022 Central Alabama CrimeStoppers Media Person / Journalist of the Year.

Carol has been a dependable and dedicated resource for reporting and providing information to millions of readers across the state. Through AL.COM, Carol has continued to keep residents informed about crime-related issues and has built trust with her many readers. This “trust” came to fruition when a missing Montgomery teen reached out to Carol and helped investigators solve an ongoing missing person investigation.

Friday, December 16, 2022, Montgomery Police Investigators contacted CrimeStoppers and requested the public’s assistance in locating Chalysse Thomas, 18. Thomas was originally last seen on Thursday, December 8, 2022, in Montgomery, Alabama. A missing person lookout for Thomas was sent out to their local media partners and was shared on social media.

CrimeStoppers received an overwhelming number of social media shares and interest in the case. Thanks to a swift response from CrimeStoppers media partners, Thomas was made aware of the lookout and reached out to Carol Robinson, a reporter with AL.COM. Carol immediately notified CrimeStoppers acting as a liaison. CrimeStoppers communicated with Thomas and police investigators. Thomas met with police investigators, and she was found to be safe and unharmed.

Carol’s dedication and commitment to the residents of Alabama were shown by this simple act of kindness, which ultimately solved a missing person case.

We congratulate Carol Robinson for receiving this honor and thank her for her dedication and outstanding work ethic that helped her achieve this great accomplishment.

Central Alabama CrimeStoppers Presents Officer of the Year to Detective Green of Alexander City Police Department

Monday, April 3, 2023, Central Alabama CrimeStoppers had the honor to present Detective Christopher Graham of the Alexander City Police Department with the 2022 CrimeStoppers Officer of the Year Award.

Detective Christopher Graham of the Alexander City Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division has consistently gone above and beyond any normal call of duty service, over the past year. Graham started his career with the Alexander City Police Department in 2019 and has quickly grown to be an asset to his agency. Detective Graham is very detail-oriented when notating and following up on cases. Detective Graham always provides the utmost care and attention to detail for each case he receives, while making a strong effort to deliver justice to the victim’s families. Detective Graham also monitors radio traffic and assists with patrol calls very frequently throughout each week. He is usually the last person from the Criminal Investigation Division to leave at the end of the day. He has built a strong rapport with citizens across the city, improving the overall relationship with the citizens his agency serves. Before becoming a law enforcement officer, he used his time as an Assistant Coach to one of our local school football teams and has built many relationships through that experience. He has also recently been certified as a Hostage Negotiator and, because of that position, has been attached to the Special Response Group for this county. He is an asset to the department, the city, and the county with his knowledge and work ethic alone. Pages could be written on the sacrifices made by this young man, but his actions speak for themselves.

On behalf of Central Alabama CrimeStoppers, it is our honor to present, Detective Christopher Graham, as CrimeStoppers Alexander City Police Department’s 2022 CrimeStoppers Officer of the Year.

Central Alabama CrimeStoppers Presents Officer of the Year to Sergeant Reece of Phenix City Police Department

Tuesday, April 4, 2023, Central Alabama CrimeStoppers had the honor to present Sergeant Edwin Reece of the Phenix City Police Department with the 2022 CrimeStoppers Officer of the Year Award.

While investigating a 2022 double homicide, Sergeant Reece was quickly able to identify and apprehend a suspect. The arrest was due to Sergeant Reece’s strong work ethic, dedication, tenacity, and thoroughness. Reece used his experience and training to build trust and rapport with the suspect which resulted in obtaining a full confession to the double homicide. The suspect was ultimately charged with Capital Murder.

Sergeant Reece is described by his supervisors as a showstopper and his actions and professionalism reflect highly upon him and bring credit to the Phenix City Police Department. 

Thank you for a job well done, Sergeant Reece. On behalf of Central Alabama CrimeStoppers, it is our honor to present, Sergeant Edwin Reece, as CrimeStoppers Phenix City Police Department’s 2022 CrimeStoppers Officer of the Year.

Central Alabama CrimeStoppers Presents CrimeStoppers Prattville Police Department Officer of the Year to Investigator Robby Jackson

Tuesday, April 4, 2023, Central Alabama CrimeStoppers had the honor to recognize Investigator Robby Jackson as the 2022 Prattville Police Department CrimeStoppers Officer of the Year Award.

Investigator Robby Jackson of the Prattville Police Department’s Drug Enforcement Unit has consistently gone above and beyond making almost 40% of the unit’s self-initiated drug cases. While the total number of patrol narcotic cases in the city has seen a 31 percent reduction, the self-initiated cases from the unit have increased by 8 percent. These percentages quantify the effect that the unit’s aggressive pursuit of narcotics is having. A large portion of this success is due to Jackson’s relentless work ethic, and an example of this can be seen in one of his successful cases. Jackson was the case agent on a case that lead to obtaining a search warrant for a narcotics dealer in the City of Prattville. Upon executing the search warrant, approximately three and a half pounds of marijuana, psilocybin mushrooms, methamphetamine, cocaine, synthetic marijuana, controlled pills, THC Edibles, THC vape cartridges, paraphernalia, and multiple firearms were seized as a result of Jackson’s investigative work. This investigation resulted in multiple firearms being taken out of a drug dealer’s hands, and lead to multiple felony charges. This is just one small example of what is contributing to the reduction of illicit narcotics in Prattville.

Investigator Jackson is a valuable asset to the community and is having a large effect on keeping the city safe for its citizens.

On behalf of Central Alabama CrimeStoppers, it is our honor to present, Investigator Robby Jackson, as CrimeStoppers Prattville Police Department’s 2022 CrimeStoppers Officer of the Year.

CrimeStoppers will select twenty-five officers and one school resource officer from our partnering agencies to be selected as their agency’s Officer of the Year. Each officer will be provided with a tactical bag that contains assorted gifts donated by our friends at Gulf States Distributors of Montgomery. Investigator Robby Jackson along with the other recipients will be nominated for Central Alabama CrimeStoppers State Officer of the Year. Upon selection, the recipient will not only receive the highest of accolades but will also receive a commemorative 2022 Alabama Officer of the Year plaque, a brand-new Ruger Max9 Pistol Model 3500, provided by Gulf States Distributors.

Central Alabama CrimeStoppers Presents CrimeStoppers Maplesville Police Department Officer of the Year to Sergeant Josey Edwards

Monday, April 10, 2023, Central Alabama CrimeStoppers had the honor to recognize Sergeant Josey Edwards as the 2022 Maplesville Police Department CrimeStoppers Officer of the Year Award.

Sergeant Josey Edwards of the Maplesville Police Department has displayed an outstanding work ethic during his six years of service to the residents of Maplesville. In 2022, Sergeant Edwards took it upon himself to initiate a partnership with CrimeStoppers. Sergeant Edwards has utilized this partnership multiple times, with excellent results. Sergeant Edwards pours his heart and soul into his job and always strives to make a difference in the community he serves. Sergeant Edwards is a big advocate for community policing and actively engages his local community. Sergeant Edwards not only serves as a patrol supervisor, but he is also the agency’s evidence technician and assists the Chief of Police with criminal investigations. Sergeant Edwards has solved multiple felony investigations as a result of his determination and dedication.

Sergeant Josey Edwards is a valuable asset to the community and is having a large effect on keeping the city safe for its citizens.

On behalf of Central Alabama CrimeStoppers, it is our honor to present, Sergeant Josey Edwards, as CrimeStoppers Prattville Police Department’s 2022 CrimeStoppers Officer of the Year.

CrimeStoppers will select twenty-five officers and one school resource officer from our partnering agencies to be selected as their agency’s Officer of the Year. Each officer will be provided with a tactical bag that contains assorted gifts donated by our friends at Gulf States Distributors of Montgomery. Sergeant Josey Edwards along with the other recipients will be nominated for Central Alabama CrimeStoppers State Officer of the Year. Upon selection, the recipient will not only receive the highest of accolades but will also receive a commemorative 2022 Alabama Officer of the Year plaque, a brand-new Ruger Max9 Pistol Model 3500, provided by Gulf States Distributors.

2019 Award Winners 

 

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency

Pilot Shane Hobbs

Co-pilot Jerod Peak

Flight Officer/Hoist Operator Greg Rankin

 

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency

Senior Trooper Puckett and PCO II White

 

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency

Trooper Jason Fox

 

 

Autauga County Sheriff’s Office

Deputy J. C. Grant

 

 

 

Elmore County Sheriff’s Office

Sergeant Eric Bruner

 

 

 

Millbrook Police Department

Millbrook Police Department Criminal Apprehension Team

Officer Sean Brosius and Officer Michael Snyder

 

 

Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office

Sergeant David Alford

Montgomery Police Department

Corporal R.M. Petipas

 

Prattville Police Department

 Investigator Clint Lee

 

 

Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Office

Deputy Isaiah Taylor

 

Troy Police Department

Sergeant Eric Ernsberger 

 

Tuskegee Police Department

Officer Tyshawn Shephard

Union Springs Police Department

Corporal Alexander Swanson 

 

School Resource Officer of the Year

Corporal D. M. Thornton

 

 

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