The Alabama Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) has endorsed Madison County Commission chairman Dale Strong in Alabama’s fifth congressional district GOP primary contest.
The Alabama FOP represents law enforcement officers across 81 local chapters including Huntsville, Limestone County, Scottsboro, Decatur and Athens.
In a statement announcing the endorsement, Everett Johnson of Alabama FOP advised that Strong would combat efforts by the national left to “defund the police.”
“During his career Dale Strong has made it crystal clear that he has our backs,” proclaimed Johnson in a release. “Law enforcement officers know that he listens to our concerns and gives us the support we need to keep our communities safe. We know Dale is our friend and will fight against any efforts to ‘defund the police’ or reduce law enforcement.”
Prior to Strong’s election as commission chairman, Madison County sheriff’s deputies were the lowest paid officers in the region. One of the first reforms Strong made after assuming the position was to raise deputy pay to equal that of other departments in North Alabama, according to the campaign.
Joining the Alabama FOP in endorsing Strong’s congressional bid was Madison County Sheriff Kevin Turner, who praised the candidate’s efforts to stand with law enforcement during the 2020 protests in downtown Huntsville.
“I support Dale Strong because he has supported us,” declared Turner. “We had to make tough decisions when protesters shut down the courthouse square in 2020. Some in this community attacked us for putting the safety of our officers first – but Dale Strong supported us 100% and defended our people every day.”
Strong extended gratitude over the support his candidacy has received from the law enforcement community.
“I am humbled to have the support of the men and women who protect our communities.” said Strong. “Liberals say ‘Defund the Police’ but there is no better use of our tax dollars than supporting local law enforcement. These men and women run toward danger every day and many times are all that stands between our families and evil.”
The primary election will take place May 24, 2022. Should no candidate earn a plurality of the vote, a runoff election will be held June 21, 2022.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article has been updated.
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
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