Correctional officers Halbrooks, Stover receive national recognition

By Staff
Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
Two Morgan Countians were honored nationally May 12 for their help in rescuing an elderly couple from their burning home.
Darwin Halbrooks of Hartselle and Richard Stover of Trinity, both veteran employees of the Alabama Department of Corrections, received honorable mention TOP COPS Awards from the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO). The presentations were made at the Warner Theatre in Washington D.C.
An independent committee appointed by the NAPO selected Halbrooks and Stover to represent Alabama. They were nominated by Richard Allen, Alabama Department of Corrections commissioner. The committee also chose a nominee from the other 49 states, U.S. Territories and the District of Columbia. The top ten were recognized as TOP COPS while the other nominees received honorable mention recognition.
The 14th annual event helped kick off “National Police Week.”
Halbrooks and Stover were singled out for the quick action they took after spotting a house fire on Nick Davis Road April 21, 2006. They were on their way to work at Limestone Correctional Institute at the time.
The two officers reported the fire, alerted the occupants, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Pressnell, and assisted her and the family dog in getting out. They also helped remove two cars from the garage and were inside trying to salvage some personal belongings when the roof began falling in.
In August of that year both officers received certificates of commendation from Governor Bob Riley. Six months later, the Alabama Retail Association honored them as Enforcement Officer of the Year nominees.
Halbrooks is a 1985 graduate of Hartselle High School and has been a correctional officer for 18 years. Stover is a 1978 graduate of Austin High School and has 22 years of experience as a correctional officer.