Four Birmingham Police Department officers were injured in the line of duty after being shot on Sunday; they are all expected to recover after being transported to UAB Hospital.
Alabama Media Group reported that the lone shooter, yet to be publicly named, was killed after officers returned fire. All four are reportedly members of the department’s tactical team and were executing a warrant at the shooter’s apartment.
Birmingham PD Sgt. Rod Mauldin said, “Upon making entry, they were immediately met by gunfire.’’
The shooter was suspected of committing a double-murder earlier in the day, over a dispute allegedly involving a dog.
Sunday’s incident comes one day after the conclusion of the annual National Police Week.
U.S. Senators Richard Shelby (R-AL) and Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) cosponsored S.Res.215, a resolution honoring the observance of this week and commemorating the 306 law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty last year, four of whom were from Alabama.
“It is with sadness and appreciation that we remember all of the police officers who have died in the line of duty in 2020, but in particular, the four fallen police officers from my home state of Alabama,” stated Shelby. “These men and women made the ultimate sacrifice to protect us, putting our safety above their own. During National Police Week, we honor and pay tribute to these brave heroes – memorializing their courageous acts and paying our respects to their friends and families. My sincerest condolences remain with their loved ones. We owe our fallen officers a great debt of gratitude.”
In 2020, the following officers from Alabama gave their lives and will be permanently honored on the Officer Down Memorial Page:
- Sergeant Parnell LaRoy Guyton of Birmingham, Alabama – Sergeant Guyton served with the University of Alabama at Birmingham Police Department for 16 years. He is survived by his wife and son.
- Assistant Chief Gail S. Green-Gilliam of Phenix City, Alabama – Assistant Chief Green-Gilliam served with the Phenix City Police Department for 33 years. She is survived by her husband, son, two daughters, grandchildren, and siblings. Assistant Chief Green-Gilliam had also been the foster parent for special needs children and adults.
- Lieutenant Stephen Paul Williams of Moody, Alabama – Lieutenant Williams was a U.S Air Force veteran and dedicated 23 years to law enforcement service. He served with the Moody Police Department for three years and previously served with the Calera Police Department for 2-1/2 years, the Alabaster Police Department for 15 years, and the Bessemer Police Department for 2-1/2 years. Lieutenant Williams is survived by his wife and three children.
- K-9 Officer Nicholas Daniel O’Rear of Morris, Alabama – Officer O’Rear served with the Kimberly Police Department for one year and previously served with the Ashville Police Department. He is survived by his three children.
Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
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