Two members of Alabama’s law enforcement community on Wednesday were met with gunfire following their response to a domestic violence call in Wilcox County.
Retired Wilcox County Deputy Madison “Skip” Nicholson was fatally shot during the encounter in the community of Yellow Bluff. According to the attorney general’s office, fellow responding officer Chief Deputy Trenton Gulley also sustained injuries during the attack.
Attorney General Steve Marshall on Thursday issued a public statement honoring Nicholson for his service and offered condolences to the fallen officer’s loved ones.
Last night, retired Deputy Madison “Skip” Nicholson of the Wilcox County Sheriff’s Office was killed by a gunman while responding to a domestic-violence call. Please pray for his family, friends, and fellow lawmen. #ThinBlueLine pic.twitter.com/AILJTn8Ceq
— Attorney General Steve Marshall (@AGSteveMarshall) December 2, 2021
“Nicholson, a 40-year veteran law enforcement officer, was well-respected in his community for his dedication to public service,” stated Marshall. “To take an oath to protect and serve one’s community is both a tremendous responsibility and a statement of love for one’s fellow man.”
The attorney general added, “We mourn the loss of retired Deputy Madison ‘Skip’ Nicholson who lost his life in the line of duty and pray for the consolation of his family and friends. We must not react to this tragedy with indifference. To truly honor Nicholson, as a State, we must recommit ourselves to raising a generation that respects our laws and reveres our law enforcement officers.”
Gov. Kay Ivey on Thursday declared that the state of Alabama will remain steadfast in its dedication to honoring law enforcement.
“[M]y home county of Wilcox tragically lost retired Sheriff’s Deputy Madison ‘Skip’ Nicholson who was shot and killed in the line of duty. A chief deputy was also treated for his injuries. We are reminded far too often the grave sacrifice our men and women in blue face each day to protect our communities,” said the governor. “We must truly be a society that respects these brave men and women in law enforcement. No question, Alabama stands with you.”
WVTM 13 reports that the suspect, 52-year-old Billy Bizzell, died at the scene.
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
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