Fire crews are actively working a fully involved structure fire on Cleveland Street in Headland.
Headland Fire Rescue has been dispatched to the scene, along with assistance from the Kinsey and Newville Volunteer Fire Department. Multiple units are responding as firefighters work to contain and extinguish the blaze.
At this time, the structure is reported to be fully involved. The cause of the fire has not been determined, and it is unknown whether anyone was inside the residence when the fire started. No injuries have been reported as of this update.
Firefighters remain on scene, and additional information is expected to be released as the situation develops.
UPDATED @ 3:44 PM
When Henry County 911 dispatched Headland Fire – Rescue and Headland Police they reported smoke visible from a distance away. Henry County Emergency Management Director Matt Hatcher was at the Henry County Road and Bridge Department and could see the smoke in the air.
Haleburg Volunteer Fire Department, Newville Volunteer Fire Department, and a couple of Wicksburg Volunteer Fireman were in Headland and responded on their personal vehicle and assisted with fighting the fire. Headland Director of Department of Public Safety – Police Chief Mark Jones and Henry County Emergency Management Director Matt Hatcher are on the scene. EMA Director Matt Hatcher is pumping water onthe fire engine company for fireman.
Kinsey Police Chief Jim Mock responded and was in fire attire and assisted with fighting structure fire. Chief Mock was helping fight the fire.
All occupants escaped the fire. Initial reports the cause of the fire is possibly a candle in the house.
This fire was buring strong before fireman ever arrived on the scene. Cleveland Street is closed at Alice Street intersection.
UPDATE: Suspect Captured Following Jackson County Manhunt
JACKSON COUNTY | RICKEY STOKES NEWS
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that Kirk Lamar Oliver, 40, has been taken into custody following an extensive manhunt.
JACKSON COUNTY | RICKEY STOKES NEWS
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is actively searching for a man wanted in connection with a reported battery and aggravated assault involving a firearm Thursday morning.
According to deputies, a heavy law enforcement presence remains in the area of Friendship Church Road as authorities search for Kirk Lamar Oliver, 40.
Officials have not released additional details surrounding the incident at this time. Residents in the area are urged to remain alert and report any suspicious activity.
Anyone with information regarding Oliver’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office at 850-482-9624 or Chipola Crime Stoppers at 850-526-5000. Tips may be submitted anonymously.
This is a developing situation. RSN will provide updates as more information becomes available.
DALE COUNTY: While Sheriff Mason Bynum announced earlier today in his bid for re-election, he was modest in what he released. Let me tell you, Mason Bynum is always working. Sometime, he will even leave watching an Auburn ballgame to respond!!!
Sheriff Mason Bynum will leave his house at all times of the night, weekends and holidays to roll to calls. He has found people who have threatened suicide and placed them in his truck, riding them around, talking them and their issues that has them depressed. Tehn work to seek to get them help.
Sheriff Mason Bynum is always interested to help people.
Sheriff Mason Bynum will stop, never call someone to come help him, bail out of his Sheriff truck, to help someone change a flat tire.
And he will put that front bumper up your exhaust pipe if you run to end the chase to protect the public from someone trying to run. A kind man who can be firm when needed.
Sheriff Mason Bynum’s energy seem always at peak level ready to serve the citizens of Dale County. Always working with other agencies and ALWAYS willing to listen to people from all walks of life. Always a smile and kind word to all he meets. Always taking time to listen and be friends, no matter how young or old the person is.
The people of Dale County have one of a kind in Mason Bynum. A true servants heart with a passion of service.
DALE COUNTY | RICKEY STOKES NEWS
Mason Bynum has officially announced his candidacy for reelection as Dale County Sheriff, citing a continued commitment to public safety, strong law enforcement, and protecting the county’s most vulnerable residents.
In his announcement, Bynum reflected on his time leading the Dale County Sheriff’s Office, calling the role the greatest honor of his career. He emphasized that from the beginning of his tenure, his top priority has been protecting children and holding those who prey on them accountable.
“We have pursued those who prey on children relentlessly and unapologetically,” Bynum said. “We have stood up for those who cannot speak for themselves, and we have done so without hesitation.”
Bynum highlighted efforts made under his leadership to strengthen enforcement operations, expand the use of technology, invest in advanced training, and build partnerships aimed at reducing crime and prioritizing victims. He said those initiatives have helped ensure the Sheriff’s Office remains prepared, professional, and ready to respond when threats arise.
“When evil threatens our communities, the men and women of the Dale County Sheriff’s Office answer the call,” Bynum stated. “When criminals test our resolve, they find a Sheriff’s Office that is ready to act.”
The sheriff also expressed pride in the deputies and staff who serve alongside him, praising their dedication and bravery in carrying out the mission of the office.
While pointing to progress made during his current term, Bynum acknowledged that more work remains.
“The job is not finished,” he said. “There is more work to do.”
Bynum concluded his announcement by asking for continued prayers, trust, and support from the community as he seeks another term as Dale County Sheriff.
The upcoming election will determine who will lead the Dale County Sheriff’s Office in continuing efforts to combat crime and protect residents across the county.
HENRY COUNTY: Eric Blankenship had 18 years of volunteer service with Echo Fire-Rescue. He then went to work with Henry County Sheriff Department as a Deputy Sheriff.
Eric Blankenship worked patrol and investiation with then Henry County Sheriff Will Maddox. During his tenure he worked to learn all aspects of the Sheriff Department. When Abbeville Police Chief became vacant the Abbeville City Council selected Eric Blankenship as Chief of Police for the City of Abbeville.
When Henry County Sheriff Will Maddox decided not to seek re-election and retire Eric Blankenship made the decision to seek election as Sheriff. And the registered voters of Henry County selected Eric to become Sheriff.
While he is Sheriff, he is just “Eric”. A simple man with a passion to serve and protect the citizens and guests of Henry County. In any small department the Sheriff has to be an Administrator and a field law enforcement officer. Sometimes he is behind the desk and a lot of times he is in the field working cases or working the streets side by side with the men and women in the department.
The Henry County Sheriff Department is under a major renovation program on the Henry County Jail. A project that has been long overdue to modernize and expand the jail facilities.
Sheriff Eric Blankenship has a great working relationship with Henry County Probate Judge/Commission Chairman Ray Marler and members of the Henry County Commission. With that working relationship many improvements have been made within the department.
There are 568 square miles of Henry County. Sheriff Blankenship and the men and women of the Henry County Sheriff Department work to keep a safe county for the citizens to live and work. The department has a trained Special Response Team for those cases where danger is ever present to make sure the accused is safely taken into custody and everyone is safe.
Sheriff Blankenship and the men and women of the department has fun with falg football with the areas school students. Working to create a friendship between law enforcement to make young people comfortable with the aw enforcement officers. Making sure the young people know they can call the Sheriff at anytime they have a problem and talk to him. Sheriff Blankenship does not want to be a figure head, but a friend. But he does not hesitate to be an authoritive figure with them when needed.
Eric Blankenship has enjoyed serving the citizens of Henry County as Sheriff. He ask for your vote to keep serving as YOUR Sheriff.
HOUSTON COUNTY: Starting as Corrections Deputy in 1979, Donald Valenza has worked through the ranks to become Sheriff of Houston County.
Donald Valenza started under Sheriff A.B. Clark. He has worked under Sheriff Lamar Hadden, Sheriff Lamar Glover, Sheriff Andy Hughes and then became Sheriff himself.
When something happens, 2 PM or 2 AM, Donald Valenza has never hesitated to roll. He is constantly concerned about the men and women throughout the department, on the streets, in the jail, SRO’s in schools, security at the courthouse, and administrative clerical staff.
Donald Valenza has worked to keep the Sheriff Department and Jail operations within the budget. To provide the men and women the tools needed to effectively serve the citizens.
Donald Valenza is a very popular Sheriff with the citizens of Houston County. He is accessible and willing to talk, listen and do what he can to help people.
Donald Valenza ask for your vote and support for Sheriff of Houston County.
GORDON: In a special called meeting of the Gordon Town Council this evening, they have unanimously named Brad Cain as Chief of Police.
Cain fills the vacancy of Chief of Police when former Chief Keith Gray resigned and took the Chief of Police job in Midland City.
Cain, a former Dothan Police Lieutenant who recently retired from Daleville Department of Public Safety was not ready to totally quit. When Keith Gray left Cain applied with the Town of Gordon.
Caincomes to Gordon with over 25 years of progressive experience in municipal. county, and airport policing. Cain has extensive background in patrol operations, investigations, supervision and corrections management. Cain has the ability to lead diverse teams, oversee operational logistics, and ensure community safety through proactive policing and training initiatives. Cain is experienced in interagency oversight, with a strong commitment to integrity, accountability, and professional development.
Cain is a member of the FBI law enforcement executive development association.
Chief Brad Cain will begin his tour of duty with Gordon on next Tuesday.
