BY DR. JAMES TROGLEN
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
Wetumpka’s city council experienced great news on several levels during their meeting June 6. The annual audit was a new record in excellence. Independent auditors gave Wetumpka their Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 30th straight year.
Auditors also stated the city of Wetumpka was in its best financial status in 30 years. Some highlights included the city’s total net position increased by almost $5 million five dollars and the city’s governmental funds had an increase of $3,257, 667 as compared to the previous year. Sales tax collections increased by $889,000.
The Wetumpka Police Department police was approved for three new patrol cars, which have proven scarce but are now available and soon to be delivered.
As stated in the audit, tourism is up in Wetumpka and to help maintain the trend a marketing proposal for promoting Wetumpka was approved at $2,500 per month. This includes advertising, billboards, etc.
A proud moment came as Wetumpka Chief of Police, G. Benton, made several commendations to officers.
Sergeant Clarence Reid was recognized for 25 years of outstanding service as he retired from the Wetumpka Police force. Sergeant Reid has had his hand in many areas of service to Wetumpka including patrol, investigations and oversight of School Resource Officers. Mayor Jerry Willis recognized Sergeant Reid’s leadership, guidance, and comradery while serving the city.
Sergeant J. Barfoot and Corporal I. Hornsby were commended in removing a possible murderer from our streets. On January 20, 2022, officers responded to a report of shots fired at the Walmart parking lot where a deceased man was located still in his car. Officers Barfoot and Hornsby were called to work the case and with witnesses they were able to obtain forensic evidence, identify, and take into custody a suspect. As stated by Chief Benton, “Their hard work and dedication removed a murderer from walking our streets.”
On April 22, 2022, officers J. Crumpton and K. Harden had a vehicle approach them while training outside of the Wetumpka Police jurisdiction. Upon investigation the vehicle contained a man with a gunshot wound to his upper thigh. The officers assessed the injury, and applied pressure to the wound as well as a tourniquet to control bleeding until an ambulance arrived. If not for their quick action the victim would likely have died.
On May 10, 2022, officer S. McCoy was shopping at a grocery store out of the Wetumpka jurisdiction with his family when he heard shots fired. Leaving his family behind in the vehicle officer McCoy proceeded to investigate and discovered a suspect standing over a gunshot victim in the parking lot. McCoy’s quick action disarmed the suspect and held him at gunpoint until the jurisdictional agency arrived and took him into custody. If not for his selfless actions, there could have been more victims as the crime took place in a crowded shopping center in the middle of the day.
On May 29, 2022, Sergeant Spraggins and Corporal Calhoun responded to a call of shots fired. On their arrival a victim was found shot in the foot/ankle area. They determined it was an accidental shotting but were able to apply pressure and a tourniquet and due to the extent of the bleeding are credited with saving his life.
Who says small towns such as Wetumpka are just sleepy little villages? It is great to know we have such brave, good men and women watching over us as these mentioned today. See More photos Below.
