Ozark - Dale County Law Enforcement Administrators, Investigators and Judicial Officials

Rickey Stokes

Viewed: 18469

Posted by: RStokes
Date: Nov 04 2015 3:13 PM

OZARK:     When I was growing up and watched Hawaii 5-0, Steve McGarret made a statement that I have always thought of, "everybody is a suspect". And until things are ruled out, in an investigation, everybody is a suspect.

And that is the way seasoned investigators since 1977 ( when I became involved ) have worked investigations. No matter who, in crimes, everybody are suspects.

And the investigators worked those leads. Often times without the suspects knowing or fellow officers knowing what those leads were. And yes, to include leads that were their fellow officers.

I personally have been involved with Ozark and Dale County law enforcement officers since 1977. I have been involved in murder investigations in Ozark - Dale County.

In fact, as Coroner,  I assisted Dale County Sheriff Bryant Mixon in the investigation of the murder of Napier Field Mayor Herb Bemer. The suspect who was arrested was the Napier Field Police Chief and Napier Field Town Clerk. The police chief died in the Alabama Department of Corrections of natural causes.

I have seen retired Ozark Police Chief Alan Bennefield in action. Especially when two Ozark Police Officers were murdered. When Bennefield's blue car came up, you had better scatter. He meant business.

A seasoned investigator with Ozark Police Department took over the reigns as Ozark Police Chief. His name was Tony Spivey. Along with Bennefield's tenure, Spivey brought honesty and integrity. He was a diligent investigator and administrator, always seeking out the truth.

Serving along side Bennefield and Spivey in the Ozark Police Department, was Ozark Police Captain Eddie Henderson. They managed and disciplined police officers. Not covering up, but managing and disciplining for actions any officer took. Minor or major.

And then Ozark - Dale County District Attorney David Emory. Emory served as District Attorney for many years and continues to serve as assistant to now District Attorney Kirke Adams. Both men work hard, are honest and fair. They would never turn their heads on crimes committed, minor or major,  no matter who the defendant was.

And today, Kirke Adams is a stand up guy. Adams brings an unusual amount of common sense that he applied to situations. Adams should go on to serve as Alabama's Attorney General.

Add to that, some of the greats that are or have been involved in investigations in Ozark and Dale County over the years.

Now Blount County Sheriff Loyd Arrington who served many years as an agent with Alabama Bureau of Investigation. Other legends like Barry Tucker who served as an investigator with Alabama Bureau of Investigation. Others like Tim Rogers and Tommy Merritt, both agents with Alabama Bureau of Investigation today.

None of these men would ever turn their heads on crimes committed. From petty theft to major crimes such as kidnapping or murder.

On top of these men, Retired Circuit Judges P.B. McLaughlin and Kenneth Quattlebaum. These Judges were fair and firm. Both served decades in Ozark - Dale County and Geneva County, always stressing that the right thing be done in cases.

And I do not have to mention Dale County Sheriff Wally Olson. We have seen him in action nationally in his work ethic and involvement.

The citizens of Ozark and Dale County can be proud and boastful to those who have served and are serving their city and county in law enforcement and the judicial system.

And none of these would ever turn their backs for a fellow comrade who is alleged to have committed crimes. In fact, while the person did not know or realize it, these men would be investigating covertly until - BOOK 'EM DANNO!

So until you hear the phrase Book 'em Danno, do not believe everything you see, read and hear.

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