MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WDNews) – Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall hosted the 26th Annual Alabama Attorney General’s Law Enforcement Summit at the Church of the Highlands, drawing hundreds of officers and attorneys from across the state for a day of professional development, collaboration, and remembrance.
The event featured training sessions on key issues facing law enforcement, including immigration enforcement, human trafficking, and community policing in an evolving world. ICE officials Francisco Ayala and Chris Cannon spoke on federally authorized raids and deportation operations under President Trump’s administration. Kevin Metcalf of Whooster’s Law Enforcement Division led a session on combating human trafficking through advanced data tools and interagency coordination. Former Birmingham Police Chief A.C. Roper also discussed modern policing and leadership in high-pressure environments.
A solemn moment of the day came during a memorial ceremony led by Attorney General Marshall, honoring three Alabama law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice over the past year.
- Deputy Sheriff John Randall McCrary, 52, of the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office, passed away on February 28, 2024, from complications of gunshot wounds sustained in the line of duty. A 15-year veteran of law enforcement, McCrary served with both the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office and the Rogersville Police Department. Known for his calm professionalism, he was deeply respected by colleagues and remembered for his dedication to keeping his community safe.
- Deputy Sheriff Timothy Wayne Johns, 48, of the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, died on October 8, 2024, after suffering a heart attack while on duty as the School Resource Officer at Brookwood High School. A U.S. Army National Guard veteran who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Johns dedicated 23 years to the Sheriff’s Office. Students and staff at Brookwood described him as “a friend, protector, and role model” who took great pride in mentoring young people and fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and the community.
- Lieutenant Mark Meadows, 55, of the Irondale Police Department, passed away on January 6, 2025. A seasoned officer and respected leader, Meadows spent decades serving his department and mentoring younger officers. He was known for his steady leadership and his commitment to upholding integrity within the force. His colleagues described him as “the heart of the department” whose influence will be felt for years to come.
“Safety and justice are top of mind for every member of law enforcement in our state,” Marshall said. “These trainings play a critical role for connection, reflection, and collaboration with our law enforcement partners that provide real-world results.”
Marshall closed the event by reflecting on the sacrifices of Alabama’s law enforcement community. “It is these moments of pause—when we honor our men and women in blue whose watch has ended—that remind us of what everyone in the room may face,” he said. “The risks are great, but so are the rewards for our communities and for serving a higher calling.”
