Addie McCluskey
Elmore Autauga News
The YouTube channel Alpha Responder Network (ARN) aired its first episode featuring the Autauga County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO), May 1, 2026, marking the first episode filmed outside the group’s home state of Arizona.
ARN is a documentary-style YouTube channel offering an unfiltered look at the real lives of first responders. Through ride-alongs with law enforcement and emergency personnel, it captures authentic, unscripted moments that highlight the challenges, split-second decisions and human side of public safety.
“Part of my role is to always look for ways to improve and grow the show,” said Producer Will Rogers. “One way to do that is to expand the show outside of Arizona. I was born and raised in Montgomery, and some of my family lives in Prattville. Because of this, I felt a calling to make Alabama our first episode outside of Arizona… I wanted to bring the show back home.”
During the filming of the first episode, ARN personnel rode alongside Deputy Darrius Matthews, who is also a decorated member of the Alabama National Guard with experience in correctional, judicial protection and patrol duties.
“I was kind of nervous knowing somebody was there watching, but I just tried to act like the camera wasn’t there, so I just tried my best to be myself,” said Matthews. “With somebody recording me doing my job, hopefully, younger officers can learn something, and I can show people a different side of law enforcement. We’re not all bad people.”
Rogers says that having deputies like Matthews is how law enforcement officers build trust within the community, noting that their directness, efficiency, and focus allow them to do the job without unnecessary escalation.
“What stood out most was the level of respect on both sides,” said Rogers. “The deputies carried themselves with professionalism and treated people with genuine respect, and in return, you could feel that same respect coming from the community. That’s something that is very rare nowadays and truly felt genuine and not just for the cameras.”
ARN will air more episodes featuring the ACSO in the coming weeks, including ride-alongs with Deputy Corey Smith and Deputy Brandon Goldwire.
To watch the first episode, visit https://youtu.be/B5VeZ3sR2cw?si=2fFfs7QrWBfY6IX1.
