DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) — A veteran member of the Dothan Police Department has been awarded the department’s highest recognition, the Medal of Valor, for his actions during a dangerous incident involving a barricaded suspect and an explosive device.
Corporal Jesse Hess recently received the award from Dothan Police Chief Will Benny after missing the department’s annual recognition ceremony in May.
According to family members, Hess was unable to attend the ceremony because he was in Washington, D.C., participating in a ride of more than 200 miles to honor fallen law enforcement officers and their K9 partners.
The Medal of Valor is the highest award presented by the Dothan Police Department and recognizes exceptional courage in the line of duty.
According to the award citation, Hess was recognized for his actions on Sept. 10, 2025, during a volatile incident involving a barricaded individual and a potential explosive device. As a member of the department’s bomb squad, Hess was the first to approach and search the suspect, locating a homemade explosive device.
The citation states that he directed others to safety and, despite placing himself in harm’s way, safely assessed and removed the device, preventing a potential detonation.
Rather than receiving the award during a public ceremony, Hess was called into the chief’s office where the medal was presented privately.
His daughter, Cayden Skinner, said her father’s actions both on and off duty reflect the values he has lived by throughout his career.
“Jeremiah 17:7 says, ‘Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him.’ I believe that verse describes my dad well,” Skinner said. “His faith has always been the foundation for how he serves others, leads his family, and approaches every challenge placed before him. I couldn’t be more proud to call him my dad.”
Family members said Hess has never sought recognition for his work and would likely have been content missing the ceremony altogether.
The award serves as recognition of both his bravery during a critical incident and his continued dedication to protecting the community while serving the Dothan Police Department.
