HCSO Highlights Investigations Division and Emergency Response Training
The Henry County Sheriff’s Office is recognizing the hard work and professionalism of its Investigations Division and deputies who respond to a wide range of calls each day.
Not all calls for service handled by the Sheriff’s Office are criminal in nature. Deputies frequently respond to motor vehicle accidents, medical emergencies such as strokes, and critical situations in remote wooded areas, including one incident reported last month.
In emergency situations like these, time is critical. Deputies partnered with medical personnel from Survival Flight to participate in specialized training focused on locating and establishing safe helicopter landing zones.
Officials say Henry County’s rural landscape makes air medical transport an essential resource. Having a Survival Flight base located within the county allows patients to be quickly transported by air to the nearest medical facility when minutes can mean the difference between life and death.
The Henry County Sheriff’s Office says it takes great pride in the work its deputies and staff perform and wants the public to know they remain committed to providing the highest level of service possible to the citizens they serve each and every day.
Kay Ivey announced Friday that the State Industrial Development Authority has approved 21 grants totaling $15.7 million through the Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) program.
The SEEDS program supports large-scale industrial projects and job creation across Alabama. Over three years, SEEDS and required local matches have invested $138 million across 77 industrial sites statewide.
“This program has proven to be a game-changer for Alabama’s economic development,” Ivey said, noting that communities are better positioned to compete for major projects.
In this third round, SIDA approved 12 site assessment grants totaling more than $3 million for environmental and geotechnical studies, and nine site development grants valued at $12.7 million for site preparation activities. The grants will benefit industrial sites in multiple counties across the state.
Panama City Beach Police Chief J.R. Talamantez says law enforcement is prepared to prevent a repeat of the violence that has plagued recent spring break seasons.
Last year, several shootings involving unaccompanied minors occurred, including an incident near Pier Park that injured at least three bystanders just feet from police officers.
“Our problem is unaccompanied minors carrying high-capacity firearms,” Talamantez said. “That’s something we need to cancel.”
In response, Panama City Beach Police, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice have increased staffing, surveillance, and enforcement tools. A mobile booking station will also be available to speed up arrests and processing.
“With this partnership, manpower is not an issue this year,” said Stephen Jencks. “We’re going to do everything we can to curb the lawlessness seen in the past.”
A high-impact enforcement period will run from March 28 through April 11, enforcing curfews and vacation rental rules. Unaccompanied minors are prohibited from being on the streets after 8 p.m., and those under 21 are not allowed to rent vacation properties.
Talamantez also issued a warning to parents, saying they will be held responsible if their children commit crimes while visiting.
Police additionally caution spring breakers about social media flyers promoting unsanctioned parties, which they say are often scams.
Law enforcement officials stress that safety is a shared responsibility and urge visitors to follow the rules to ensure a peaceful spring break season.
During her time shadowing, Peyson had the opportunity to work with both the Training Division and the Academy Division, gaining firsthand insight into how law enforcement officers are trained and prepared for the job.
Her experience included: • Law enforcement training through Axon Virtual Reality • Hands-on training using the Meggitt Interactive System • Participation in legal training alongside Wiregrass Law Enforcement Academy – Class 9
What an incredible, hands-on learning experience—and a perfect example of career exploration done right. Way to go, Peyson! 💙
PIKE COUNTY – TROY: 02:00 HRS In the early morning hours Sunday morning Troy University went to make a traffic stop. At the time of the writing it is unknown the reason for the traffic stop.
The person “in front” of the blue lights made a conscious decision to not obey the blue lights and pull over. It was not the person “under” the blue lights who made that decision, which in the end was a life ending decision.
There was a pursuit. That pursuit ended on Elm Street in Troy. The vehicle being pursued by Troy University Police struck multiple telephone poles and trees resulting in the traumatic death of the driver and passenger. Both the driver and passenger were pronounced dead on the scene.
Emergency crews worked several hours on the scene of the accident conducting the investigation. ALEA – Troopers are in charge of the accident investigation.
On scene and assisting, Troy Municipal Police Department, Pike County Sheriff Department, Troy Fire Department, Haynes Ambulance, Pike County Coroner’s Office.
12:30 A.M.DOTHAN, Ala. — A high-speed police pursuit that began in Kinsey ended in a crash in Dothan, sending multiple patients to area hospitals and shutting down a major roadway.
According to information known to RSN, the pursuit reached speeds of more than 120 miles per hour before entering Ross Clark Circle. Speeds were reported at approximately 115 miles per hour while inside the circle. The fleeing vehicle traveled along Reeves Street and continued toward the center of Dothan.
The pursuit ended on South Oates Street at Crawford Street, where the fleeing driver crashed, believed to be into another vehicle.
At this time, four patients have been reported. One patient was transported to Southeast Health under trauma alert by Dothan Fire Medics and Pilcher’s Ambulance Service. Another patient was transported to Flowers Hospital under trauma alert status. The extent of injuries for the remaining patients is unknown at this time.
South Oates Street is closed to traffic in both northbound and southbound directions at the crash site, approximately one block south of Main Street and Oates Street.
This remains a developing story. RSN will provide updates as additional information becomes available.
