Sheriff’s Office year in review
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Special to the News
On December 16, 2021, Sheriff Michael Howell hosted the annual Coosa County Sheriff’s Office Christmas Meeting/Dinner.
During this event Lt. Chuck Ebert was awarded the Employee of the Year Award. Deputy Travis Ward was awarded the Deputy of the Year Award.
Deputy William Bradberry and Deputy Travis Ward were pinned with their SWAT trident. The Coosa County Jail Ministry Team, as well as Chaplain Jeff Fuller, were presented with Certificates of Appreciation.
All Coosa County Reserve deputies were honored for their willingness to serve the residents of Coosa County.
Retired Reserve deputies were honored with their years of service. Joe Camp – 48 years of service, Blake Kelley –12 years of service, Jonathan Rogers – 7 years of service, Craig Thornton – 12 years of service, and Bill Embry – 5 years of service; were all honored because of their many years of service to the Coosa County Reserve Unit.
Sheriff Michael Howell states, “This year has been a very successful year. I appreciate all the hard work from all the Coosa County reserves, Jail Ministry Team and Coosa County Sheriff’s Office staff. This has definitely been a group effort, made by all employees, to make this year a successful year. I look forward to the continued progress of the Coosa County Sheriff’s Office.”
The following accomplishments were shared by Howell at the meeting:
- K-9 Archi Thunder was certified with Deputy Bradberry
- Deputy Deandre Scott graduated Police Academy
- Less Lethal Training for the jail. Pepper ball equipment utilized in the jail
- Investigator Fenn became an ASP Baton Instructor
- Sheriff Howell attended the FBI National Command Course 1st class (only representative from state of Alabama)
- Started working towards placing mile markers on Hatchett Creek (Hatchett Creek Marking Project)
- Arrested subjects for catalytic converter thefts (Andrew Jones, Brandon Broaderway)
- Assisted courthouse personnel with remodeling of courtroom
- Began development of practices to use technology for courtroom hearings opposed to transporting inmates to court
- Approved 2021-2022 budget with a $0.25 pay increase for all Sheriff’s Office staff. Health insurance went up, but this increase was absorbed by the County Commission.
- Hosted first ever 2-week Jury Trial. All cases resolved.
- Helene Johnson pleaded guilty to murder.
- Responded to first murder of the year. Solved within first few hours.
- Attended several advanced trainings for all personnel
- Continued to utilize Zoom hearings for court proceedings
- Hosted successful County Wide Community Exercise
- Successful start to school year
- Fed football team
- Participated in parade at school
- Conducted search on David Lee Mann residence and made five arrests
- Solved several burglaries on County Road 70 (arrested David Lee Butler)
- Purchased new appliances for kitchen
- Installed new camera system
- Separated pistol permits from Administration Office
- Reinstated jail commissary with a 68% profit vs. 10%
- Established video visitation for jail
- Eliminated inmate movement from beyond SC2
- Established inmate attorney room with no face-to-face contact
- Established video court from jail to courtroom
- Transitioned to FirstNet phones
- Submitted grant for new tasers
- Received funding for in-car cameras and new body cameras
- Arrested Gregory Chase Owens for trafficking
- Arrested Sean Michael Ewbanks
- Federally indicted Johnathan Harrell
- Saved the county budget more than $30,000 in 2021
- Graduated two more deputies from SWAT school