SJR42INTRODUCED
Page 0
SJR42
FKPGTCC-1
By Senators Allen, Albritton, Barfoot, Beasley, Bell, Butler,
Carnley, Chambliss, Chesteen, Coleman, Coleman-Madison,
Elliott, Figures, Givhan, Gudger, Hatcher, Hovey, Jones,
Kelley, Kitchens, Livingston, Melson, Orr, Price, Roberts,
Sessions, Shelnutt, Singleton, Smitherman, Stewart, Stutts,
Waggoner, Weaver, Williams
RFD:
First Read: 19-Mar-25
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10 FKPGTCC-1 03/12/2025 NG (L)NG 2025-1249
Page 1
First Read: 19-Mar-25
SJR___ HONORING THE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS OF THE YEAR BY
THE EXCHANGE CLUB OF TUSCALOOSA.
WHEREAS, the Legislature of Alabama takes great pride
in recognizing the efforts of the men and women serving in
law enforcement; and
WHEREAS, each year since the 1940s, the Exchange Club
of Tuscaloosa hosts several events that honor amazing
individuals across Tuscaloosa County who have gone beyond
the call of duty to protect their communities; one of these
events is the Law Enforcement Officers of the Year ceremony,
which brings out agencies across Tuscaloosa County to honor
a member from each for their outstanding bravery and courage
in their work; and
WHEREAS, the Northport Police Department's honoree
for this year's award was Officer Jose Martinez; he has
consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication, a strong
work ethic, and a deep commitment to both public safety and
community encouragement in his role as traffic officer; and
WHEREAS, the Tuscaloosa Police Department's honoree
was Sergeant Devin Kerstetter; in March of 2024, Sergeant
Kerstetter responded to a house fire; he was one of the
first to arrive on scene, assisted in finding a way inside
the home, and helped save the victims; and
WHEREAS, the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office's
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28 SJR42 INTRODUCED
Page 2
WHEREAS, the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office's
honoree was Deputy Deonte Washington; shortly after
beginning his career, Deputy Washington responded to a fire
in January 2024 where he braved the fire, cleared the
building, found the source of the fire, and aided in saving
the victims; and
WHEREAS, Investigator Jessica Wilson from The
University of Alabama Police Department and Senior Trooper
Heath Heaton from the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency
both were selected for their courage in the face of
adversity; and
WHEREAS, these officers exhibit the epitome of
selflessness and what it means to protect; we thank them
extensively for their bravery, honor, and sacrifice; now
therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, BOTH
HOUSES THEREOF CONCURRING, That with great pride and special
pleasure, these officers are highly honored and commended on
their unwavering commitment to the protection of this state
and Tuscaloosa County, and we wish them success in all
future endeavors.
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48