This week is National Police Week and the Pell City Police Department honored their heroes with a police memorial, promotion of officers, and awards ceremony.

“This is a special time to recognize our law enforcement,” said Pell City Police Chief Paul Irwin, who led the memorial. “We want to memorialize our officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. I am honored to be here today.” 

According to Irwin, 129 officers lost their lives in the line of duty in 2017 and so far in 2018, 51 officers have lost their lives nationwide. Two of those were in the state of Alabama.

The service recognized Pell City Police Officers Lt. Richard Woods and Officer Greg Surles, who both died in the line of duty.

Irwin also wanted to recognize the officers who have demonstrated outstanding valor in the line of duty. He presented the Law Enforcement Memorial Award for Unrecognized Courage, Valor and Heroism to retired Birmingham Police Officer and current Corporal with the Homewood Police Department Timothy S. Zimmerman.

In 2004, Zimmerman was involved with an altercation with a suspect who beat him with an object and almost took his firearm. Zimmerman was able to subdue the suspect with his firearm, but almost died in the line of duty. Irwin wanted to recognize his sacrifice with the award. He also pinned his Combat Cross, which Irwin received during his service in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Newly promoted Detective Christopher Norris received the Life Saving Medal, for saving the life of an individual who had stabbed himself in the chest. Norris was able to prevent the man, who was a veteran, from doing further harm to himself or others.

Officer Danny Holmes, Corporal Barry Wathen, and Sergeant Jonathan Herren all received Service Awards for being with the Pell City Police Deparment for five, ten, 15, and 25 years.

The 2017 Officer of the Year, selected by Officers and Supervisors of the Patrol Division, went to Officer Eddie Branham, a 20 year veteran of the Marine Corp.

“He cares about the officers,” Irwin said. “Everyday we have officers training and Branham has the leadership skills to lead that. He is someone to count on.”

Detective Kevin Perry received the 2017 Detective of the Year. He was selected by the Officers, Detectives and Supervisors of the Investigations Division. 

“Perry works well with everyone,” Irwin said. “We appreciate everything you’ve done this year.”

“We have an outstanding community. We can change and affect people’s lives on a daily basis. We can change situations and bring people out of them,” stated Irwin. “I am so proud of each and every one of you. You care about each other and that is what makes you all so special.”

Irwin also thanked the families of the officers for the sacrifice they make, knowing that their loved one might not return home.