DALE COUNTY: On Saturday, June 21, 2025 the family, friends, fellow law enforcement, fellow first responders and citizens of Dale County came together to pay tribute to a man who devoted 28 years to serve and protect others.
The Celebration of Life Services for retired Dale County Sheriff Wally Olson.
As Retired Dale County Sheriff Bryant Mixon described, at about age 14, Wally Olson met him and said that he wanted to one day be the Sheriff of Dale County. Sheriff Mixon gave to Wally Olson a badge. One he kept shiny. Several years later Sheriff Mixon hired Wally Olson beginning in the jail. From that point, and working with Ariton Police Department, Wally Olson worked his way through Alabama Police Academy , as class President, on through the ranks to become the elected Sheriff of Dale County.
In 2013, just 5 years after becoming Sheriff, Wally Olson was faced with something no other Sheriff has been faced with. Jimmy Lee Dykes, a 65-year-old Vietnam War-era veteran, boarded a Dale County school bus, killed the driver, and took a five-year-old boy hostage. On the afternoon of February 4, law enforcement agents entered the bunker, killed Dykes, and rescued the child. Midland City, Alabama, U.S. When Wally Olson arrived on the scene, he never left for the 6 day stand off. Area law enforcement responded and assisted. Sheriff Olson never hesitatted to call in state and federal resources to assist. But Sheriff Wally Olson remained on the scene and in command. The child was removed safe.
Current Sheriff, Mason Bynum, was also a Dale County native who came to Wally Olson and, like Olson, wanted to become Sheriff of Dale County when Sheriff Wally Olson retired. Sheriff Olson hired Mason Bynum, who was hired as a jailer. And Mason Bynum worked his way through the department to become Chief Deputy under Sheriff Olson. On the retirement of Olson the dream of Mason Bynum became reality.
Sheriff Bynum said that Wally Olson never could get his phone on silent. He would have ring tones like ducks. Sheriff Bynum related that when one person called, no matter what, Sheriff Wally Olson would answer. And that was his mother. Sheriff Wally Olson served as President of the Alabama Sheriff Association. At one particular event Alabama Governor Ivey was speaking and Sheriff Olson was on the stage. The ducks started and Sheriff Olson answered during the Governor’s speech because it was his mother calling.
While Wally Olson loved his job as Sheriff, and the people of Dale County, his first love was in Jesus Christ followed by his wife, two daughters, his mother and dad. They were his pride and always lighting up when speaking of his wife and two daughters. Sheriff Mixon said that they had to get him married to Brandy to get him back to work because he was so in love.
Sheriff Wally Olson never met a stranger. No matter who you were, no matter your color or economic status, Wally Olson was there for you. He would always tahe time to talk to you and help as best he could, anyone. He loved people and serving which he did with compassion, fairness and an unwavering belief in doing the right thing.
He worked at Ft. Novosel and Fuqua – Bankston Funeral Home after retiring from serving as Dale County Sheriff.
The Ozark Civic Center was filled with people from all walks of life paying tribute to Wally Olson.
THANK YOU to Sheriff Olson’s wife, Brandy, two daughters Emma Claire and Ellie Grace, his parents Gary and Alice Olson. You gave your husband, dad, and son to the people of Dale County and guests who served and protected.
Bradley Bedwell the District 3 Commissioner, during his comment section of the June 17 commission meeting, states city manager Randy Morris Even though the actual numbers show a drop of 20% in crime, the public doesn’t feel safe due to recent gun shots fired in public places. This I would like this real time crime center open sooner than later, if we can afford it. As a police force we are very reactive as of now, it is time for us to be proactive as we can as a police force.
Well Bedwell has requested and with full support of the rest of the commission, City ManagerRandy Morris has greenlighted the Real Time Crime Center. Renovations are underway in the old e911 building as we speak. The technology expense will be added to the budget and should be opened shortly after the new year in 2026.
What is a real time crime center. This is the ability to use technology to fight crime. This center will be set up like a command center at any army base with a staff of the command center tapped into all 2000 of the cityof Dothan’s cameras. If an event occurs, staff can deploy additional technology and police officersas soon as an event happens in real time. Additional technology will start in the forms of high tech drones with infrared capabilities, livestream, and recording capabilities. These drones will be housed on top of all the fire stations, that can be deployed remotely by the staff at the real time crime center. Another layer of technology that Bedwell and the rest of the commissioners will approve will be the Shotspotter technology that will pinpoint any shot fired at the city limit, which will give the staff the ability to deploy a drone by the crime center, and record and follow the shooter, until the real police officers arrive. Commissioner Bedwell says if you shoot into the air in Dothan Alabama, you aren’t going to be able to get away with it anymore. He also said when I was running uncontested at the end of this May, this is the reason I asked for an opponent. One of my opponent was stating crime was higher, even though official dothan reports doesn’t show that in the numbers. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter that crime is down 20 percent compared to 2020, it pointed to a perception that people don’t feel safe. Although the realtime crime center would have been built eventually, we couldn’t wait on it Bedwell said, not with people not feeling safe. It may cost money to get started, but it people don’t feel safe to go out and go shopping, the difference in loss of sales tax will cover the entire cost of the realtime crime center. He has an idea to bring all the schools by when it opens, so our kids can see if they commit a crime, they will not get away with it. He finished with if you are in the crime business in Dothan, you may want to find a new occupation.
HOUSTON COUNTY: A Henry County Sheriff Patrol Deputy clocked a vehicle at a high rate of speed on Saturday morning.
The Henry County Sheriff Patrol Deputy turned around, activating his blue lights and siren. The vehicle sped up.
The police pursuit took a turn from a county road onto Henry County Road 99 which leads from Headland to Abbeville.
Henry County has four primary law enforcement agencies which are Henry County Sheriff Department, Abbeville Police Department, Newville Police Department and Headland Police Department.
Henry County Sheriff Department, Abbeville Police Department and Newville Police Department operate in the same radio channel with Headland Police Department operating on a radio with only their department. The Henry County Central dispatch is located in the old Headland Police Department.
With Abbeville Police operating on the same radio the Abbeville Police Officer was able to get into a position to deploy the spikes.
07:14. Northbound on Henry County Road 99
07:14. Spike set out by Abbeville Police
07:14. The chase passing County Rd .41
07:15.Spikes set and awaiting
07:15. The chase is entering Abbeville city limits. A successful spike which means TIRES FLAT!!!
07:16. Suspect is Driving through yards
07:17. They are located in the 500 block Dothan Road
07:19. Suspect in the 500 block behind a garage. Suspect is in custody of law enforcement.
07:20. Suspect vehicle has Georgia license plates
07:30. Request rescue patient. Suspect has a illness with a medical term “ I AM GOING TO JAIL, I FEEL SICK!!!!”.
The arrest was made at 534 Dothan Road, Abbeville Alabama.
The suspect was transported to Henry County Jail. It was determined the suspect was a felon in possession of a firearm. It was determined that the suspect was on a 15 year probation in Georgia.
The Georgia Pardons and Parole have ahold on the subject. He will remain in Henry County Jail, SITTING for trial. Afterwards he will go to Georgia where his probation/parole will most likely be revoked.
Henry County Sheriff Eric Blankenship was on the scene.
In 1969, the social event would be organized into what is now known as the Panhandle Watermelon Festival, led by former Washington County Extension Agent Red Davis.
“We always try to remember that our watermelon festival is part of our history, that it first was a celebration at the end of the year for those who helped in the fields,” said Peel.
About 100 people are thought to have been in attendance at the first event in 1956, and more than 5,000 attendees were estimated in 2015. The festival continues to grow every year!
FUQUA BANKSTON FUNERAL HOME IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS
ECHO COMMUNITY…Mr. Wally Olson, a resident of the Echo Community, died Wednesday morning, June 18, 2025, in Dale Medical Center. He was 53.
Funeral services, with full law enforcement honors, will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the Ozark Civic Center with Pastor Josh Sims officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 2:00 P.M. Saturday at the Civic Center. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Teen Challenge, PO Box 151, Lincoln, Alabama 35096.
Wally was born and raised in Dale County, and he never strayed far from the place he called home. He had a deep love for his community, one that ran through every season of his life. His journey in law enforcement began humbly, starting as a jailer at the Dale County Jail. At the same time, he served as a part-time officer with the Ariton Police Department—balancing long hours, learning the ropes, and earning the respect of those around him. You could say he was built for service, and that calling grew stronger with time.
As the years went on, Wally’s dedication and integrity carried him forward. He became a Dale County Deputy, where he built strong relationships and became a steady presence to both his colleagues and the people he served. In 2007, he was elected Sheriff—a role he embraced wholeheartedly. For the next 16 years, he gave his all to the badge, leading with compassion, fairness, and an unwavering belief in doing the right thing. He treated people with dignity, even in the toughest moments, and he stood by his community not just as a lawman, but as a neighbor and friend.
After retiring in 2023, Wally wasn’t one to sit still. He continued to serve in a new capacity as a Security Analyst with M1 at Fort Novosel. Even in that chapter of his life, he brought the same sharp mind and strong heart that had defined his career from the beginning. Wally also enjoyed serving the community after retirement, by working with Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home in Ozark, a job that he enjoyed..
But beyond all the titles and accomplishments, Wally was, above all else, a family man. He was a devoted Christian who leaned on his faith in both good times and hard times. He poured love into his family, especially his daughters, who were the light of his life. His eyes would brighten any time he spoke about them, and his love was felt in the big moments and the quiet, everyday ones too.
He was an active member of Faith Christian Center in Ozark, where his faith wasn’t just a part of his life—it was the foundation of it. Wally lived out his beliefs not just in words, but in how he treated others, how he gave his time, and how he showed up with strength and kindness again and again.
Wally leaves behind a legacy of service, faith, and deep love—a life well-lived and a heart that will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His story is one of dedication, humility, and the kind of quiet heroism that makes a lasting impact. He may be gone, but his spirit will always live on in the lives he touched and the community he served so faithfully.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Brandy Stafford Olson; two daughters, Emma Claire Olson and Ellie Grace Olson; his parents, Gary and Alice Bludsworth Olson; relatives from the Stafford family, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Mack and Sheila Casey Stafford; brother-in-law, Michael Stafford; nephew, Christopher Stafford (Mikayla), and their children, J.T. and Mary Grace; aunts and uncles from the Bludsworth family, Wallace Bludsworth (Judy), James Bludsworth (Evy), Tony Bludsworth (Debbie), Terry Bludsworth (Merri), Ann Fisher (Jack), Elaine England, Geraldine Hill (Ron), Dale Nelson (Ron), Agnes Reaves, and his special second mama, Carolyn Tolbert; numerous cousins and friends.
Serving as active pallbearers will be members of the Dale County Sheriff’s Office.
DOTHAN: 08:35 AM. DOTHAN 911 dispatched a structure fire at Carriage House Apartments, 111 Sheila Drive in Dothan.
At the time of dispatch it was reported smoke and flames visible.
At the time of arrival Dothan Fire was unsure if all occupants were out of the residence. An aggressive attack was established. Incoming fire engines connected to fire hydrants and fireman began an aggressive attack and search to make sure all occupants were out of the apartment and apartments adjacent to the fire.
There was heavy smoke reported by the fireman from the attic area. Dothan Fire reported a working fire with an offensive attack.
In a very short period of time Dothan Fire Department reported an “all clear” in primary search which meant no one was found in side. Dothan Fire Arial unit was deployed and spraying water from the roof downward.
Anyone with scene pictures TEXT RICKEY 334-790-1729.
Great response and aggressive attack. Carriage House Apartments is a multi family residential setting.
Dothan Police and Pilcher Ambulance were on the scene with Dothan Fire Department.
