UPDATED @ 11:07 PM Luncheon Held Today for Retired Area Law Enforcement

Matt Boster

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Posted by: Matt Boster
Date: Jul 18 2012 6:16 PM

Today Sheriff Andy Hughes sponsored a luncheon for retired area law enforcement, this group of men how had served this area for years got the opportunity to come together and fellowship and spend time with each other. Sheriff Hughes stated that he had been wanting to do something like this for the past few years and today it was made possible thanks to several sponsors.

Long time law enforcement from the Dothan Police Department, Houston County Sheriff's Office, Alabama State Troopers, and the FBI were on hand. Retired Sheriff's Lamar Hadden and Lamar Glover were in attendance along with retired Dothan Police Chief's Kater Williams and John White were also there. Some of the retired officers drove great distances like Retired Dothan Police Captain Ronald Black. Captain Black serves as a Police Chief in a community around Birmingham.

It was a great time and the stories they folks could tell. I have had the privilege of knowing most in attendance today and it was wonderful to see them all again. Sheriff Hughes stated he would like to do this again every couple of years.

UPDATED @ 11:07 PM

By Rickey Stokes

I was excited when Houston County Sheriff Andy Hughes invited me to attend the luncheon fo retired law enforcement officers that have worked in Dothan and Houston County.

I started in 1977 with the Houston County Sheriff Department. Many of those in attendance were in their prime days when I started. To see them today, to realize the years of experience and knowledge that were in the room today, was exciting and thrilling.

Everyone enjoyed themselves. They enjoyed a few minutes of visiting and getting caught up on each other over the years.

This event was something Sheriff Hughes has wanted to do for several years. He got some sponsors and had lunch catered today. The time together was fun.

Many greats in the room. Retired Dothan Police Captain Ronald Black who was there. I remember Captain Black when he was a patrol shift commander. A robbery on Highway 431 at the station next to Northview High School. Everyone flew to the scene. That white unmarked patrol car rolled up and before it was in park then Lt. Black as his boots hit the ground was yelling "move it - move it - move it" for the officers to hit the streets to catch the suspect. The robbery has already occured, hit the streets and catch the suspect.

Many greats in the room like Retired Houston County Sheriff Lamar Hadden that would hide in the woods to catch you selling dope. As Sheriff he was creeping around in an unmarked car and was approached by someone wanting to buy dope. Sheriff Hadden had his ball cap on that read "Sheriff". Sheriff Hadden quickly spun his had around with the word " Sheriff" facing the back and said he thought he did want to buy some of the man's dope. The purchase was made and then the man was arrested.

Law Enforcement giants like Gordon Police Chief O.W. Roney. At age 80 he recently retired as the Chief of Gordon. He served Gordon for over 30 years. He was known as "speed buggy" on the CB radio. Often times Chief Roney was the only law officer on duty and serving right by himself.

Retired Dothan Police Chief Kater Williams. He brought to Dothan a professional police department. One officer today was talking about being allowed to wear pull over shirts today in the heat. When Chief Williams served in Dothan, no matter when a plain clothes officer was not allowed to have his weapon exposed. You could be working a crime scene in 100 degree weather and the investigator better have his suit coat and tie on. Chief Williams demanded things a certian way and is responsible for the professional development of Dothan Police Department.

Retired Houston County Sheriff Lamar Glover was there. A great milestone in that Sheriff Hughes and Sheriff Glover have a friendly relationship. Sheriff Glover is responsible for bringing to the Sheriff Department a professional structured organization. Bringing the department administrative measures during is tenure.

Great investigators like Sgt. Bill West of Dothan Police Department. Years of investigative years and crime scenes he worked. Many years of crimes he worked to solve.

Alabama State Troopers like Grady Tew and Don Atwell. The stories these two could tell. Retired ABC Agent Kenneth Cherry who worked with Lamar Hadden before he became Sheriff. Retired FBI Agent and Houston County Sheriff Commander Bill Land that worked in this area and retired here after many years of service.

And the list continues. Each person there who worked and what history, what funny stories they could tell, what serious stories they could tell that occured over the years in law enforcement.

Sheriff Hughes and Dale County Sheriff Wally Olson partnered in a helicopter. Today Dale County Sheriff Chief Deputy Tim McDonald flew the helicopter to Dothan for all of the retirees to see it. Sheriff Hughes has the crime scene truck and much of the equipment provided by Homeland Security available for the retirees to see the new equipment.

Thanks to Houston County Sheriff Andy Hughes for putting this event together. Thanks to the sponsors who donated and made this event possible. Thanks to the men and women who worked over the years to make this City, this county  safer place.

If you did not attend and are a retired law enforcement officer that served in Dothan - Houston County, call 334-677-4888 for Lavonda so she can add you to the contact list for the next time Sheriff Hughes has the retireee event.

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