By Joshua Huff, sports editor
MOODY – The death of Moody police Sgt. Stephen Williams on Tuesday marked the second police fatality within the state of Alabama in 2020.
Williams, a husband and father of three, was gunned down at the Super 8 on U.S. 411 in Moody at around 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday. He was a 23-year veteran and had been with the Moody Police Department for three years. He had been promoted to sergeant in the past year and was honored with the Chiefs Award of Excellence during the 2019 Christmas Banquet.
“He was awesome,” Moody Police Chief Thomas Hunt said the night of Williams’ death. “He was a good man. A good person, funny to be around.”
Williams’ death is was not tied to the ongoing protests throughout the country, St. Clair County Sheriff Billy Murray said.
Our hearts ache tonight for our brothers and sisters of the Moody Police Department, and the family and friends of…
Posted by Moody Fire Department on Wednesday, June 3, 2020
Williams is one of nine Alabama police officers to be killed in the line of duty since the start of 2019; he is the second death in the state of Alabama in 2020. Only three states in 2019 had more deaths in the line of duty than Alabama — New York, Texas and California.
The rapid rise in police deaths over the past 16 months has not gone unnoticed by leaders throughout the state.
“This senseless violence must end,” Gov. Kay Ivey said on Wednesday. “Every day, brave men and women who wear the badge put their lives on the line in order to keep us safe. We are greatly indebted for his service on our behalf. I ask the people of Alabama to join me in prayer for his family, friends and his brothers in arms.”
Williams’ death follows the shooting of Kimberly police officer Nick O’Rear. He was killed on Feb. 4 during a vehicle pursuit on I-65 near Old U.S. Highway 31.
O’Rear was a father of two, with one child on the way.
Williams is being remembered as man who went above and beyond to serve the members of the community. Tributes to Williams and his selfless character have spread across social media. From his work for Humanizing The Badge, his fight to combat police suicides and his befriending of a local pup, Champ the bulldog, Williams was known as a pillar throughout the community. Above all, Williams was a father, husband and son.
“Our hearts ache tonight for our brothers and sisters of the Moody Police Department, and the family and friends of Officer Williams,” the Moody Police Department posted on Twitter. “Officer Williams was a great asset to our city and went above and beyond on many occasions to serve our citizens.”
Police Deaths in Alabama Since 2019
- WyTasha Lamar Carter
- Sean Paul Tuder
- William Ray Buechner Jr.
- Julius Jamal “Jay” Dailey
- Dornell Cousette
- John Arthur “Big John” Williams Sr.
- Billy Fred Clardy III
- Nick O’Rear
- Stephen Williams
Max knows his favorite Moody police officer has treats. He recognizes the cruiser and starts drooling. Champ is a one year old American Bulldog and doesn't know his own strength. He gets so excited for our visit! He's a good boy!!Show us your good doggos in the comments section.We are sorry we had picture comments disallowed but they should be turned on now. #americanbulldog #doggo #dogsofmoody
Posted by Moody Police Department on Wednesday, January 29, 2020