Fallen Officer Memorial Service held at Alabama Capitol

Alabama Fallen Officers Memorial Ceremony at the Alabama Capitol, Friday, May 1, 2026 – Photo from WAKA Action 8 News

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WAKA) – The Alabama State Fraternal Order of Police has held its Fallen Officer Memorial Service at the Alabama Capitol.

The event is marked by both remembrance and grief.

ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor, the state’s highest-ranking law enforcement officer, stood alongside Attorney General Steve Marshall to pay tribute to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the people of Alabama.

This year’s ceremony carries a deeper weight as it comes just days after the loss of Thomasville Police Officer Dallas Hinton, whose memorial service was held Wednesday.

Alabama Fallen Officers Memorial Ceremony at the Alabama Capitol, Friday, May 1, 2026 – Photo from WAKA Action 8 News

“I come to you this morning, not with words that are somehow or another distant or ceremonial, but with a heart that has been reminded once again just this week of the true cost of the oath that these men and women take,” Attorney General Steve Marshall said.

“The memorial service sends a solemn reminder of the courage, the dedication and unwavering commitment to protecting our communities. These officers did more than just wear a badge. They chose a life of service knowing they walk toward dangers when others walked away,” Alabama Fraternal Order of Police President Ron Leek said.

The ceremony honored the lives and service of Irondale Police Department Lt. Mark Meadows, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Senior Conservation Enforcement Officer Shawn Nixon and Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Birmingham Field Office Supervisory Special Agent Todd Spiker.

Alabama is also preparing to observe National Police Week in May.