Baldwin County deputies honored for life‑saving response; sheriff highlights cadet program and new hires

The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office presented Lifesaving Awards April 1 to three deputies who assisted a woman injured in a May 15, 2024, boating accident and spotlighted a new cadet program and recently certified deputies.

Sergeant Joseph Stabler formally nominated Deputy Jacob Bridges, Deputy Brandon Chain and Deputy Delaney Thomas for the awards, saying the deputies “made this nomination” after responding to “a female who had been injured from a boat propeller near Grabbing Nylen.” Stabler read the nomination into the record and the commissioners and sheriff presented the plaques.

Why it matters: The nomination said the injured person suffered major trauma, including full amputation of the left leg below the knee and partial amputation of the right leg below the calf. The deputies boarded a watercraft, reached the shore, applied three tourniquets and prepared a landing zone for evacuation; the nomination credited their training and actions with stopping the bleeding and helping the victim survive.

Sheriff Lowry, speaking during the presentation, said he was “very proud” of the deputies and noted other deputies and corrections staff have performed life‑saving actions during the year. "They are deserving to receive this lifesaving award and recognized for their heroic actions taken on 05/15/2024," Stabler told the commission while reading the award citation.

The sheriff also introduced two newly certified deputies: Deputy Nicole Thomas, who the office said is a U.S. Army reservist and bilingual in Spanish, and Deputy Jason Cohen, described as a U.S. Air Force reservist with prior emergency‑management experience and training. Both were assigned to patrol, the sheriff said.

Cadet program: Deputies Landon Pickett and a staff member identified as Corporal Dee described a Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office cadet program launched last fall aimed at 14‑ to 20‑year‑olds. The presenters said the program is insured and affiliated with the Public Safety Cadet Program and the Alabama Law Enforcement Explorer Advisors Association and offers exposure to traffic stops, burglary response, warrant service, first aid, active‑shooter response and other scenarios.

Program details provided to the commission said the cadet program enrolled about 55 youths and involved seven agencies; the presenters reported competitive placements in multiple categories at a recent statewide event. The sheriff’s office said an academy week will be held at Coastal Alabama Community College, with early‑morning physical training and classroom and scenario training; organizers estimated about 50 cadets and 20 staff for this year’s academy.

Other personnel notes: Sheriff Lowry asked the commission to remember retired Captain Darren Williamson, who died after a battle with cancer; the sheriff said Williamson’s funeral would be the next day. The sheriff also noted Major Steve Arthur marked 50 years in law enforcement on April 1.

The presentations concluded with commissioners thanking the deputies and program staff for the training and community outreach.

Ending: The sheriff and commissioners asked the public to recognize telecommunicators and other public‑safety staff later on the agenda when proclamations were presented.