Words and Images by Jenny Lynn Davis
Community members, law enforcement officers, and public officials gathered on May 15 at the Walker County Courthouse Square in Jasper for the Walker County Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 7 Police Officer Memorial.
Held during National Police Week, the ceremony served as a time of remembrance for law enforcement officers who gave their lives in the line of duty, as well as a show of support for those who continue to serve.
The service opened with a welcome from Walker County FOP Lodge 7, recognizing the law enforcement officers, community leaders, and other community members in attendance. Pastor Adam Hicks of Desperation Church then led the invocation.
“We come together during Police Week not just to remember badges, uniforms, and careers, but to remember people,” Hicks said. “Men and women who wore the badge with courage. People who kissed their families goodbye, stepped into uncertainty, and chose service over safety.”
Hicks also offered words of comfort to the families of fallen officers and thanked those currently serving, acknowledging the missed holidays, late nights, and unseen burdens that often come with a career in law enforcement.
Following the invocation, the Jasper Police Department Honor Guard presented the colors. The crowd then joined in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the national anthem.
Jasper Mayor Josh Gates addressed the crowd, thanking Walker County FOP Lodge 7 for hosting the service and recognizing the sacrifices made by fallen officers and their families.
“Today is a time to pause, a time to reflect and, most importantly, a time to remember,” the Gates said. “We gather to honor the men and women who gave their lives. These are individuals who chose a life of service, who put on the uniform each day knowing the risk, and who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect others.”
Gates also spoke of the continued work of law enforcement officers in Jasper and throughout Walker County, noting that public safety depends on trust, respect, and a shared commitment to community.
Walker County Commission Chairman Steve Miller also offered remarks, thanking officers for their service and recognizing the cost of freedom, safety, and peace in the community.
“We are thankful for the officers who gave their lives for a cause greater than themselves,” Miller said. “In a world that is often running away from any source of discomfort or challenge, how increasingly remarkable it is that there are still those of you who run toward danger and put yourselves in harm’s way for the sake of others.”
District Attorney Bill Adair spoke personally about the meaning of service, connecting the sacrifices of fallen officers with his family’s experience as crime victims. He noted that his father’s name is listed on the victims’ monument on the courthouse square, alongside the names of families who lost loved ones in law enforcement.
Adair reflected on the word “service,” emphasizing sacrifice, empathy, responsibility, and effort. He encouraged officers to remember the deep responsibility they carry, especially when they are the first point of contact for victims entering the legal system.
“The best officers I have ever seen are the ones who understand that effort and service are not about them,” he said. “It’s about saying, ‘I serve the public.’”
Walker County Sheriff Nick Smith also addressed the crowd, speaking about the human stories behind every fallen officer.
“These officers wore more than uniforms and badges,” he said. “They were fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, husbands, wives, friends, and neighbors. They had families who waited for them to come home at the end of every shift.”
Jasper Police Chief JC Poe spoke about the impact line-of-duty deaths have had on communities in Walker County, noting that fallen officers came from multiple departments and left behind families whose lives were permanently changed.
“Please remember these families,” he said. “Say a prayer for them, as they are still living this every day. Pray for our officers and for their safety, that when they leave home, they will return home.”
During the memorial portion of the ceremony, local officers pinned flowers to a memorial wreath during a roll call of names, which included officers from the Jasper Police Department, Walker County Sheriff’s Office, Alabama Department of Public Safety, and Parrish Police Department. Names called include:
• Ben F. Barrett, Walker County Sheriff’s Office – End of Watch: July 28, 1920
• John Alfred Salter Sr., Jasper Police Department – End of Watch: October 13, 1944
• Frank Burkett, Walker County Sheriff’s Office – End of Watch: June 19, 1948
• Orville Oscar Hudson, Alabama Department of Public Safety – End of Watch: May 20, 1952
• Herman Treece, Walker County Sheriff’s Office – End of Watch: September 13, 1952
• Frank Harbison, Walker County Sheriff’s Office – End of Watch: September 13, 1952
• Jonathan McKinley “Mac” Norris, Parrish Police Department – End of Watch: August 5, 1955
• Dillard Henry Willingham, Walker County Sheriff’s Office – End of Watch: June 14, 1958
• Stewart “Buddy” Beasley Jr., Jasper Police Department – End of Watch: April 10, 1995
• James Denver Hobbs, Jasper Police Department – End of Watch: April 29, 2003 (Date of death: December 11, 2014)
The ceremony also included a performance of “Amazing Grace” by Mrs. Evie Moore, a ceremonial gun salute by the Jasper Police Department, and the playing of “Taps” by Gracie Dickerson of Oakman High School.
The service closed with prayer, thanking God for the officers and their families, and asking for protection for those who continue to serve. WL
