MONTGOMERY – Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Secretary Hal Taylor issued the following statement concerning the loss of Baldwin County Sheriff’s Deputy William “Bill” Smith who tragically lost his life Sunday, June 6, while conducting a brave and successful rescue of distressed swimmers on the Fort Morgan Peninsula.
“On behalf of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Baldwin County Sheriff’s Deputy Bill Smith. We join the law enforcement community in grieving the loss of a valiant and courageous hero,” Secretary Taylor said. “A veteran in law enforcement, Deputy Smith’s final actions resulted in the ultimate sacrifice, to save the life of a citizen. His service, sacrifice and brave actions will never be forgotten as a true hero to his local community and the entire state of Alabama.”
“In addition to Deputy’s Smith’s heroic sacrifice, our thoughts and prayers are also with his colleague, Deputy Sydney Wentworth, who bravely assisted in the rescue and is currently recovering.”
