Lee County Sheriff’s Office recently hosted Employee Recognition Ceremonies to recognize and celebrate employees for their years of service and their commitment to the citizens of Lee County.
During these recognition ceremonies, all employees of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and Lee County Detention Center took /re-affirmed their oath to support the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of Alabama, and to discharge their duties to the best of their abilities.
The following employees were recognized with awards for service during the ceremonies:
Corporal Mitch Allen
In recognition of his act displaying immediate, appropriate, and determined action which contributed to saving the life of a Lee County Deputy Sheriff on 3 February 2021, Corporal Allen is authorized to wear the Life Saver bar for the Sheriff of Lee County.
While serving the citizens of Lee County, Alabama, on 3 February 2021, Corporal Mitch Allen was participating in the execution of a search warrant with Lee County Investigators and Phenix City Detectives for the distribution of illegal narcotics. During approach of the residence, Investigator Causland breached the door with a sledgehammer. In doing this a piece of glass from the door struck Investigator Causland’s forearm causing a severe laceration and severing an artery. Corporal Allen was nearby and quickly applied a tourniquet and was able to slow the bleeding so that Investigator Causland could be taken to the hospital. Hospital staff concurred that had it not been for Corporal Allen’s quick application of the tourniquet, Investigator Causland would have bled out. Corporal Allen’s immediate, appropriate, and determined response saved Investigator Causland’s life that day.
Deputy Matthew Berger
In recognition of his act displaying immediate, appropriate, and determined action which contributed to saving the life of a Lee County Citizen on 10 April 2022, Deputy Matthew Berger is authorized to wear the Life Saver bar for the Sheriff of Lee County.
While serving the citizens of Lee County, Alabama, on 10 April 2022 Deputy Matthew Berger was dispatched to a call for service regarding a male bleeding from a horrendous laceration to his arm. Deputy Berger was able to place a tourniquet on the male’s arm and stopped the bleeding so the male could get to the hospital. Deputy Berger was advised that an ambulance was more than 20 minutes away. Due to the severity of blood loss already and the risk of the subject dying, Deputy Berger escorted him to the hospital so that he could be treated. Deputy Berger’s immediate, appropriate, and determined response saved the male’s life that day.
Sergeant Derick Eidahl
In recognition of his act displaying courage, unyielding devotion to duty and commitment while placing his own safety in peril while responding to protect a fellow Deputy Sheriff and the citizens of Lee County on 20 October 2021, Sergeant Derick Eidahl is authorized to wear the Medal of Valor bar for the Sheriff of Lee County.
While serving the citizens of Lee County, Alabama, on 20 October 2021, Sergeant Derick Eidahl was supervising his patrol shift when Deputy Ponds was assaulted by gunfire. While in route to the scene, Sgt. Eidahl began to coach and encourage Deputy Ponds on the radio. Once on scene, Sgt. Eidahl began to render aid to Deputy Ponds. Sgt. Eidahl was also able to direct citizens to safety and advise other units of needed tasks. Sgt. Eidahl displayed calmness the entire time. Sgt. Eidahl was able to assist with quickly locating the suspect and taking him into custody. Under extremely dangerous and unknown conditions, Sgt. Eidahl displayed courage and unyielding devotion to duty and placed his own safety in peril while responding to protect Deputy Ponds and the citizens of Lee County.
Volunteer Fire Fighter Justin Gavins from Beauregard Volunteer Fire Department
In recognition of his act displaying immediate, appropriate, and determined action which contributed to saving the life of a Lee County Deputy Sheriff on 19 October 2021, Fire Fighter Gavins is authorized to wear the Life Saver bar for the Sheriff of Lee County.
While serving the citizens of Lee County, Alabama, on 19 October 2021 Deputy Tyrone Ponds was shot multiple times in the line of duty. Beauregard Volunteer Fire Department Fire Fighter Justin Gavins was one of the first non-law enforcement personnel to arrive on the scene. The scene was not yet secured safe by Sheriff’s Deputies but Fire Fighter Gavins, being determined to help, jumped out of his vehicle, and went running to the aide of Deputy Ponds. Fire Fighter Gavins did not have a Kevlar vest or a firearm for his safety and protection. Fire Fighter Gavins was able to help provide Deputy Ponds with the necessary lifesaving medical attention until he could be transported to the hospital. Fire Fighter Gavins’ immediate, appropriate, and determined response helped save Deputy Ponds’ life that day.
Deputy Matthew Goodson
In recognition of his act displaying dedication to duty and commitment to excellence in sustained performance above and beyond the normal scope of assigned duties on 28 April 2022, Deputy Matthew Goodson is authorized to wear the Sheriff’s Achievement bar for the Sheriff of Lee County.
While serving the citizens of Lee County, Alabama, on 28 April 2022 Deputy Matthew Goodson responded to a call for service regarding a fully involved house fire. Deputy Goodson spoke with a female on scene who stated that her daughter was still trapped inside the home. Deputy Goodson went above and beyond his normal scope of duties by making entry into the home to attempt to find the other victim. Deputy Goodson put the life of another before his own and should be commended for his bravery and commitment to the citizens of Lee County.
Chief Mike Holden from Beauregard Volunteer Fire Department
In recognition of his act displaying immediate, appropriate, and determined action which contributed to saving the life of a Lee County Deputy Sheriff on 19 October 2021, Chief Holden is authorized to wear the Life Saver bar for the Sheriff of Lee County.
While serving the citizens of Lee County, Alabama, on 19 October 2021 Deputy Tyrone Ponds was shot multiple times in the line of duty. Beauregard Volunteer Fire Department Chief Mike Holden was the first non-law enforcement personnel to arrive on the scene. The scene was not yet secured safe by Sheriff’s Deputies but Chief Holden being determined to help, jumped out of his vehicle, and went running to the aide of Deputy Ponds. Chief Holden did not have a Kevlar vest or a firearm for his safety and protection. Chief Holden was able to provide Deputy Ponds with the necessary lifesaving medical attention until he could be transported to the hospital. Chief Holden’s immediate, appropriate, and determined response helped save Deputy Ponds’ life that day.
Communications Officer Sherri Hurst
In recognition of her act displaying immediate, appropriate, and determined action which contributed to saving the life of a Lee County Deputy Sheriff on 19 October 2021, Communications Officer Hurst is authorized to wear the Life Saver bar for the Sheriff of Lee County.
While serving the citizens of Lee County, Alabama, on 19 October 2021 Deputy Tyrone Ponds was shot multiple times in the line of duty. Communications Officer Hurst was under extreme stress and in a calm, concise tone was able to confirm Deputy Ponds’ exact location and get responding and additional units on scene for his aide. She was vital to the success of the mission. Due to her immediate, appropriate, and determined response she helped save Deputy Ponds’ life that day.
Communications Officer Veronica Kelley
In recognition of her act displaying immediate, appropriate, and determined action which contributed to saving the life of a Lee County Deputy Sheriff on 19 October 2021, Communications Officer Kelly is authorized to wear the Life Saver bar for the Sheriff of Lee County.
While serving the citizens of Lee County, Alabama, on 19 October 2021 Deputy Tyrone Ponds was shot multiple times in the line of duty. Communications Officer Kelly was under extreme stress and in a calm, concise tone was able to keep Deputy Ponds’ Deputy Ponds calm, talking and helped him provide information vital to getting him aide. She was vital to the success of the mission. Due to her immediate, appropriate, and determined response she helped save Deputy Ponds’ life that day.
Deputy Bryana Killian
In recognition of her act displaying immediate, appropriate, and determined action which contributed to saving the life of a Lee County Citizen on 10 April 2022, Deputy Bryana Killian is authorized to wear the Life Saver bar for the Sheriff of Lee County.
While serving the citizens of Lee County, Alabama, on 10 April 2022 Deputy Bryana Killian was dispatched to a call for service regarding a male bleeding from a horrendous laceration to his arm. Deputy Berger applied a tourniquet and Deputy Killian was able to pack the wound to stop the bleeding. Deputy Killian was advised that an ambulance was more than 20 minutes away. Due to the severity of blood loss already and the risk of the subject dying, Deputies Berger and Killian escorted him to the hospital so that he could be treated. Deputy Killian’s immediate, appropriate, and determined response saved the male’s life that day.
Investigator Jason Little
In recognition of his act displaying immediate, appropriate, and determined action which contributed to saving the life of a Lee County Citizen on 1 November 2021, Investigator Jason Little is authorized to wear the Life Saver bar for the Sheriff of Lee County.
While serving the citizens of Lee County, Alabama, on 1 November 2021 Investigator Jason Little responded to a call for service regarding a male with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Investigator Little was able to quickly apply a tourniquet and pack the wound with an assist from Deputy Richardson. This immediate response allowed the male to be treated and transported to the hospital. Hospital personnel stated that thanks to the timely and appropriate response by the Deputies the male survived his injuries. Investigators for the case concurred with the hospital staff. Investigator Little’s appropriate and determined response saved the male’s life that day.
Communications Officer Lakeshia Maddox
In recognition of her act displaying dedication to duty and commitment to excellence in sustained performance above and beyond the normal scope of assigned duties on 20 October 2021, Communications Officer Lakeshia Maddox is authorized to wear the Sheriff’s Achievement bar for the Sheriff of Lee County.
While serving the citizens of Lee County, Alabama, on 20 October 2021 Communications Officer Lakeshia Maddox was working her normal dispatch shift when Deputy Tyrone Ponds was shot in the line of duty. Communications Officer Maddox was the third dispatcher in the room involved in the situation. Communications Officer Maddox was tasked with handling all phone calls and radio traffic not pertaining to Deputy Ponds’ situation. This is an extraordinary task for one person to complete as normally it takes three communications officers to complete. Communications Officer Maddox dedication to duty and commitment to excellence allowed her to go above and beyond the normal scope of her assigned duties so that Deputy Ponds could be assisted appropriately.
Lieutenant Bill McGuire
In recognition of his act displaying courage, unyielding devotion to duty and commitment while placing his own safety in peril while responding to protect a fellow Deputy Sheriff and the citizens of Lee County on 20 October 2021, Lieutenant Bill McGuire is authorized to wear the Medal of Valor bar for the Sheriff of Lee County.
While serving the citizens of Lee County, Alabama, on 20 October 2021, Lieutenant Bill McGuire was commanding his patrol shift when Deputy Ponds was assaulted by gunfire. While in route to the scene, Lt. McGuire began to coach and encourage Deputy Ponds on the radio. Lt. McGuire was first on scene and began to render aid to Deputy Ponds. Lt. McGuire was also able to direct citizens to safety and advise other units of needed tasks. Lt. McGuire displayed calmness the entire time. Lt. McGuire was able to assist with quickly locating the suspect and taking him into custody. Under extremely dangerous and unknown conditions, Lt. McGuire displayed courage and unyielding devotion to duty and placed his own safety in peril while responding to protect Deputy Ponds and the citizens of Lee County.
Deputy Grant McLain
In recognition of his act displaying immediate, appropriate, and determined action which contributed to saving the life of a Lee County Citizen on 21 June 2020, Deputy Grant McLain is authorized to wear the Life Saver bar for the Sheriff of Lee County.
While serving the citizens of Lee County, Alabama, on 21 June 2020 Deputy Grant McLain was dispatched to a call for service regarding a male possibly going to attempt suicide off a bridge. While on scene, the man was standing on a wooden frame of the bridge overlooking some rocks. Deputy McLain was able to get the male talking and at one point convinced him to take a bottle of water. When the male reached for the water from Deputy McLain’s hand, Deputy McLain was able to grab the man and pull him to safety where he could be treated by medical staff. Deputy McLain’s immediate, appropriate, and determined response saved the male’s life that day.
Investigator Tyron Ponds
In recognition of his act displaying devotion to duty and determined purpose to protect the citizens of Lee County while sustaining life threatening wounds in the line of duty on 20 October 2021, Investigator Tyron Ponds is authorized to wear the Sheriff’s Star bar for the Sheriff of Lee County.
While serving the citizens of Lee County, Alabama, on 20 October 2021, Investigator Tyron Ponds conducted a traffic stop on a motorcycle and the driver fled eventually crashing. Investigator Ponds went to check on the driver who then produced a pistol and began to shoot at Investigator Ponds. Investigator Ponds was able to return fire striking the offender multiple times. During the exchange of gun fire, Investigator Ponds was struck in both hands by the offender’s gun fire. Investigator Ponds was able to radio for assistance and tactically maneuver to a safe location to await help. Investigator Ponds was able to face a threat and stop it all the while displaying devotion to duty and a determined purpose to protect the citizens of Lee County all while sustaining life threatening injuries.
Deputy Kendrez Richardson
In recognition of his act displaying immediate, appropriate, and determined action which contributed to saving the life of a Lee County Citizen on 1 November 2021, Deputy Kendrez Richardson is authorized to wear the Life Saver bar for the Sheriff of Lee County.
While serving the citizens of Lee County, Alabama, on 1 November 2021 Deputy Kendrez Richardson responded to a call for service regarding a male with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Deputy Richardson was able to assist Investigator Little with applying a tourniquet and packing the wound. This immediate response allowed the male to be treated and transported to the hospital. Hospital personnel stated that thanks to the timely and appropriate response by the Deputies the male survived his injuries. Investigators for the case concurred with the hospital staff. Deputy Richardson’s appropriate and determined response saved the male’s life that day.
Deputy Tyshawn Shepard
In recognition of his act displaying dedication to duty and commitment to excellence in sustained performance above and beyond the normal scope of assigned duties on 28 April 2022, Deputy Tyshawn Shepard is authorized to wear the Sheriff’s Achievement bar for the Sheriff of Lee County.
While serving the citizens of Lee County, Alabama, on 28 April 2022 Deputy Tyshawn Shepard responded to a call for service regarding a fully involved house fire. Deputy Shepard spoke with a female on scene who stated that her daughter was still trapped inside the home. Deputy Shepard went above and beyond his normal scope of duties by making entry into the home to attempt to find the other victim. Deputy Shepard put the life of another before his own and should be commended for his bravery and commitment to the citizens of Lee County.
Deputy Manuel Stone
In recognition of his act displaying immediate, appropriate, and determined action which contributed to saving the life of a Lee County Citizen on 11 November 2018, Deputy Manuel Stone is authorized to wear the Life Saver bar for the Sheriff of Lee County.
While serving the citizens of Lee County, Alabama, on 11 November 2018 Deputy Manuel Stone was dispatched to a call for service regarding a female possibly going to attempt suicide. While on scene, Deputy Stone discovered that the female was last seen the previous night but had called a relative with slurred speech and making threats of self-harm. Deputy Stone assisted K9 units in a search of the area of the home where they located the female non-responsive with cuts to both wrists. Deputy Stone’s immediate reaction to placing tourniquets on both arms and carrying her out of the woods aided in her being able to be transported to the hospital quickly for medical attention. Deputy Stone’s immediate, appropriate, and determined response saved the female’s life that day.
