Madison Police officers awarded lifesaving, law enforcement medals

MPD Officer Sergeant Reaves, who accepted the award for Officer Vickers, with Jim Griffith, President of the TVCSAR. CONTRIBUTED

MPD Officer Blake Bell with Jim Griffith, President of the TVCSAR. CONTRIBUTED

HUNTSVILLE – Madison Police officers were recognized last week for their heroic actions and service to the Madison community.

The Tennessee Valley Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (TVCSAR) gave its annual awards to law enforcement, fire safety, emergency medical personnel.

“These commendations and medals were awarded to a highly select group of public safety personnel who have demonstrated exemplary and extraordinary service to the public,” TVCSAR spokesperson Jess Brown.

Public safety and emergency response personnel from three counties – Madison, Limestone and Morgan – were honored during a special ceremony at the Huntsville/Madison County Public Library auditorium.

Four out of the 19 officers recognized were from the Madison Police Department. Officers Elam Wallace and Andrew Slaughter received the Lifesaving Medal. Officers Blake Bell and Troy Vickers received the Law Enforcement Commendation Medal.

Jim Griffith, President of the TVCSAR, summarized the chapter’s feelings and reason for the awards.  “The Tennessee Valley Chapter Sons of the American Revolution is honored to have the opportunity to recognize our public service heroes,” he said. “They put their lives on the line for us every day and it is the least we can do to recognize that fact and thank them for their efforts.”

Mac Moon, who chairs the Committee for Public Service and Heroism for the TVCSAR, said Officers Wallace and Slaughter received the Lifesaving awards because of their actions during an incident on Sept. 23. They were dispatched to a call involving an overdose of heroin. “The caller reported she and her husband had stopped at Hughes Road and Conger Road in Madison and the husband had overdosed on heroin,” Moon said. “The caller said he was turning blue and not breathing.”

Both officers quickly acted to provide prompt medical first aid. Officer Wallace started CPR and Officer Slaughter assisted him. The man regained his pulse and breathing just as Madison Fire and Rescue personnel arrived and were able to provide fluids and oxygen.

“The man survived but likely would not have done so without the quick thinking and professional actions of these two officers,” Moon said.

Officer Bell was recognized as a highly effective patrol officer for the Madison Police Department. His supervisors have taken note of his on duty performance as well as a number of innovative suggestions to improve service to the community.

According to Moon, Officer Bell responded to one call where a suicidal subject was barricaded in a local apartment complex with a firearm. Upon his arrival he heard a gunshot. However, he could not determine where the round went or the intent of whoever had fired. Officer Bell calmly took steps to warn other responding officers and attempted to evacuate the building.

In 2019, Bell made 76 arrests ranging from simple misdemeanors to complex felonies. Of these arrests 23 were involved with taking drugs off the streets. “His professionalism and dedication mark him as an asset to his department and his community,” Moon added.

Officer Vickers serves the Madison Police Department as a Crisis Intervention Team Officer (C.I.T. Officer).

Moon said Officer Vickers has demonstrated an ability to deal with individuals who exhibit signs of instability or an altered mental status. Even when individuals have exhibited evidence of non-compliance or are in a manic phase, Officer Vickers seems able to calm them through a personal connection and encourage them to accept professional help.

Officer Vickers has also been able to implement an effective approach to community policing due to his personal interactions with people in his patrol zone, and has demonstrated leadership and professionalism in his approach to mentoring and training new officers.

“His superior officers recognize him as a team player who is a valuable asset to his department and the community,” Moon added.

The Tennessee Valley Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution is Alabama’s largest chapter of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution with 226 members.

The 19 officers and firefighters who received awards included:

Medals for Heroism

Lt. Linda Fox, Hartselle Police Department

Firefighter/EMT David Knox, Hartselle Fire and Rescue

Volunteer Firefighter, Steven Gay, Hartselle Fire and Rescue

Medals for Life Saving

Elam Wallace, Madison Police Department

Andrew Slaughter, Madison Police Department

Firefighter, Colton Hill, Athens Fire Department

Firefighter, Roger Green, Athens Fire Department

Firefighter, Giles Durisseau, Athens Fire Department

Fire Safety Commendation Medal

Lt. Shaun Chandler, Decatur Fire Department

Law Enforcement Commendation Medal

Investigator, Jonathan Harvey, Madison County Sheriff’s Dept.

Deputy Sheriff, Jesse Geer, Madison County Sheriff’s Dept.

Blake Bell, Madison Police Department

Troy Vickers, Madison Police Department

Sargeant, Jack Pugh, Huntsville Police Department

Investigator, Michael Morrison, Huntsville Police Department

Investigator, Jeffrey Kreiter, Huntsville Police Department

James Pratt, Huntsville Police Department

Jordan Rodgers, Huntsville Police Department

Kevin Lambert, Huntsville Police Department