Twelve individuals were honored Thursday, March 26, during the Secretary of Alabama Law Enforcement’s Life-Saving Awards Ceremony at Headquarters in Montgomery, recognizing extraordinary actions taken to protect and preserve life across the state.
The recipients, representing multiple divisions within the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), were recognized for going above and beyond the call of duty in critical moments, delivering lifesaving aid, preventing tragedy and demonstrating the Agency’s unwavering commitment to public safety. Two of the honorees included FBI Special Agents assigned to ALEA’s Metro Area Crime Suppression (MACS) Unit, highlighting the strength of ALEA’s state and federal partnerships.
ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor presented each recipient with their award while Colonel Jonathan Archer, Director of ALEA’s Department of Public Safety (DPS), State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) Director Chris Inabinett, Administrative Bureau Director, Captain Jeremy Burkett and Protective Services Division Chief Wayne Mackey, shared details of each recipient’s lifesaving actions within their respective Division. Special guests included Sara Jones, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Mobile Field Office, and family members of the award recipients.
“These awards represent the very best of what our law enforcement professionals do every day, and often without recognition,” ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said. “Today, we honor the actions we know about, but there are countless others that never make headlines. I am incredibly proud of these men and women who stepped forward in critical moments to save lives. I also want to sincerely thank their families, because behind every one of these individuals is a support system that makes tremendous sacrifices. It is not easy to watch your loved one walk out the door each day into uncertainty, but their strength and support make this mission possible. Together, they represent the heart of public safety in Alabama.”
Life-Saving Award Recipients and Shortened Summaries:
Pilot Carswell (Montgomery County)
On Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, Pilot Carswell responded to a crash along Mobile Highway in Montgomery involving a vehicle that struck a power pole, overturned and caught fire. Pilot Carswell immediately began fire suppression efforts and remained engaged until the flames were extinguished. He also assisted firefighters during extrication by helping keep the vehicle cooled. His decisive actions significantly reduced the risk to the occupants and helped prevent fatalities.
Senior Trooper Woodruff (Autauga County)
On Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, Senior Trooper Woodruff responded to a shooting in Prattville and assisted with a gunshot victim. Sr. Trooper Woodruff quickly administered first aid, applying a clotting agent and direct pressure to control severe bleeding. His rapid actions helped stabilize the victim and were critical in preserving life.
Trooper Arnold (Houston County)
On Friday, June 6, 2025, Trooper Arnold encountered a critical situation on a bridge in Houston County where a family was attempting to prevent a loved one from jumping. Trooper Arnold quickly intervened, safely pulling the individual away from danger and maintaining control until help arrived. His actions directly prevented a tragedy.
Trooper Barton (Covington County)
On Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, during a traffic stop in Covington County, Trooper Barton learned a passenger was suffering severe bleeding. Trooper Barton immediately applied a tourniquet to stop life-threatening blood loss until EMS arrived. His quick thinking was instrumental in saving the victim’s life.
Trooper Henley (Montgomery County)
On Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, Trooper Henley responded to a crash at Perry Hill Road and Beth Manor Drive in Montgomery. He identified a victim with a severe leg injury and significant blood loss and quickly applied a tourniquet. His immediate intervention helped save the individual’s life.
Senior Trooper Walker (Dallas County)
On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, Senior Trooper Walker conducted a traffic stop in Dallas County that escalated when two armed individuals fled. Through quick coordination with local law enforcement, a suspect was located within minutes and found to be in possession of a stolen firearm and an illegal machine gun conversion device. Senior Trooper Walker’s actions helped remove a dangerous individual and illegal weapons from the community.
Special Agent Wasden (Butler County)
On Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, Special Agent Wasden, who was a Senior Trooper assigned to ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division at the time, overheard a call for medical assistance in Butler County and responded immediately. He located an unresponsive driver and began rendering aid. Special Agent Wasden provided lifesaving care until EMS arrived and continued assisting by manually ventilating the patient so medics could focus on advanced treatment. His swift response and continued efforts to assist medics were instrumental in saving the individual’s life.
MACS Unit & Federal Partners (Montgomery County)
Three ALEA Special Agents assigned to the MACS Unit, along with two FBI Special Agents, were recognized for their actions on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, in Montgomery. While conducting a traffic stop, the team identified an individual experiencing an opioid overdose and immediately administered Narcan, successfully reviving the individual.
During the same incident, Agents quickly identified and located the individual responsible for distributing the narcotics. The suspect attempted to conceal a firearm and was found in possession of multiple illegal substances before being taken into custody.
The incident highlights the team’s ability to seamlessly transition from enforcement to lifesaving care and back to investigative action, ultimately saving a life while removing a dangerous career offender from the community.
