Steve Marshall: The high price of protecting the public
Barely three weeks into the New Year – a time that is supposed to be full of optimism for the future – Alabama has already reached a somber milestone. Our state is tied with Texas for the highest number of law enforcement line-of-duty deaths in the country for 2019. Two Sundays in a row, major cities of our state suffered the sudden loss of a beloved police officer. Each officer was performing his sworn duty to protect the public and uphold the law when he was fatally struck down by gunfire. Both faced danger without hesitation and both acted with courage and commitment, just as they had been trained. And each gave his life. The daily actions of our law enforcement personnel in the performance of their duties may seem routine work to the public, but they only see the outside. Behind the badge, polished shoes and friendly smile, stands a person dedicated to protecting the lives of Alabamians, even if their job places them directly in harm’s way. While there are other occupations that can be hazardous to a worker, few demand that a person enter the unknown on a daily basis to face potential personal injury and even death. Why would anyone want to take on such a job? To those who train and take an oath to become a law enforcement officer, it is not a job. It is a calling. They do not seek fame and fortune. They wear a badge with pride out of a special commitment to safeguard their community. And let us not forget the sacrifice of the families of law enforcement who wait up nights for their loved one’s return. They need no reminder of the too often perilous nature of the work of our men and women of law enforcement. All of us want to live in peace and safety, but how many would be willing to walk the beat of a law enforcement officer to help guarantee that safety? Birmingham Police Sergeant Wytasha Carter and Mobile Police Officer Sean Tuder did just that. At approximately 2:00 a.m., Sunday, January 13, Sergeant Carter was on the lookout for vehicle break-ins when he was notified of suspicious activity and responded along with other officers. Two persons were stopped in a parking lot and were being searched when one pulled out a gun and shot Sergeant Carter and another officer. Sergeant Carter lost his life that morning, but his 17 years’ service for the Birmingham, Leeds and Fairfield police departments and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office were celebrated by a tremendous public response. Alabama sends condolences to Sergeant Carter’s family. At approximately 3:00 p.m., Sunday, January 20, Officer Tuder was attempting to serve an arrest warrant on a suspect in Mobile. During the arrest, the suspect shot and fatally wounded Officer Tuder, a three-year veteran of the Mobile Police Department who was previously honored as Officer of the Month. Prior to coming to Mobile, Officer Tuder served with the Palatka, Florida Police Department for two years. Officer Tuder’s funeral service is this Friday, and I am certain there will also be an overwhelming public turnout. His death is a painful reminder of the loss of another young Mobile police officer, Justin Billa, less than a year ago. I know I join all of Alabama in sending condolences to Officer Tuder’s family. More than 500 Alabama law enforcement officers have died in the line of duty during the last 100 years of record keeping. Each is a hero. All gave everything so their communities could be safe. There is a high price to pay for putting on the uniform of a peace officer. This month, Alabama knows as much about the sacrifice of law enforcement as any state in America. Law enforcement continues to take on more responsibility, sometimes with less manpower and funding. In addition to responding to calls of domestic violence, burglaries, armed robbery, assault, and drug trafficking-to name but a few-they also deal with homeland security concerns and the growing reach of cybercrime. As the Attorney General and chief law enforcement official for the state of Alabama, it is my honor to stand with our law enforcement as they stand on a daily basis between order and chaos. We cannot thank law enforcement enough for what they do for us, and we will never forget their sacrifice. ••• Steve Marshall is the Attorney General of Alabama.
Local and state officials react to death of Mobile police officer Sean Tuder
Sean Tuder, a 30 year-old police officer from Mobile, was shot and killed in the line of duty Sunday. AL.com reports that Tuder joined the Mobile Police Department in March 2016 and was named officer of the month in August of 2017 for his exceptional service. MPD Chief Lawrence Battiste spoke about Tuder outside of the emergency room at Providence Hospital saying, “He was one of those guys that certainly resonates in your mind as a true leader, a true commitment to doing his best in this community to keep it safe and to be a role model for others. Officer Tuder was one of those guys that believed in mentoring and help bringing other officers along.” Mobile’s Mayor Sandy Stimpson took to Twitter with a statement. Earlier today, Mobile lost one of our best and finest, Officer Sean Tuder. We send our thoughts and prayers to his friends and family during this tragedy. We mourn together as a community and we love together as a community. pic.twitter.com/PTSSOHqtoj — Mayor Sandy Stimpson (@MayorStimpson) January 21, 2019 Ashley Rich, Mobile District Attorney, posted a tribute to Tuder on Facebook which read “The city of Mobile lost one of its finest officers today. This tragedy is a stark reminder of the dangers that the brave men and women of law enforcement face everyday. I would like everyone to take a moment to remember the man who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting our community. Please keep Officer Sean Tuder’s family in your thoughts and prayers.” Alabama Governor Kay Ivey released a statement saying, Less than a day after laying to rest Birmingham Police Sergeant Wytasha Carter, I’m saddened to learn of the death of Mobile Police Officer Sean Tuder, who was killed today in the line of duty. I extend my sincerest condolences and heartfelt prayers to Officer Tuder’s wife and family, fellow officers and to the community he served. Officer Tuder was an exceptional young officer, a true leader and was once recognized as ‘Officer of the Month’ for his commitment to serve and protect. This senseless tragedy has sadly taken the life of yet another Mobile police officer, far too soon, and stands as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who wear the badge. To the Mobile community, know that all of Alabama joins you in mourning this remarkable law enforcement officer. Elected officials in Washington also shared condolences. Horrific news out of Mobile. Our prayers are with Officer Tudor’s family, the @MobileALPolice, and our entire community. https://t.co/fOYWBff9kJ — Archive: Rep. Bradley Byrne (@RepByrne) January 20, 2019 Praying for @MobileALPolice Officer Sean Tuder’s family following this tragic shooting. https://t.co/jQf0TkcGxP — Richard Shelby (@SenShelby) January 20, 2019
