Lee County Sheriff’s Office honors employees with awards for courage and lifesaving actions
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office recently held an awards ceremony recognizing seven LCSO employees and one employee of the Lee County Probate Office for their actions and service to the Lee County community.
Sheriff Jay Jones praised the recipients for their dedication and willingness to serve others, particularly during situations involving significant risks to their safety.
Among those recognized was Investigator Matt Sheets, who received the Sheriff’s Star after being seriously injured in the line of duty during an April 15, 2026, incident on Lee Road 188.
According to the sheriff’s office, investigators responded to the residence to serve an arrest warrant stemming from a reported rape and kidnapping. After entering a second portion of the residence, Investigator Matt Parks breached an interior bedroom and was immediately met with gunfire from a suspect armed with an AK-style rifle.
Parks returned fire and neutralized the threat while under direct gunfire. His actions also allowed a child who was inside the residence to be brought to safety.
During the exchange of gunfire, Sheets was struck in the right arm by a round fired from the suspect’s rifle.
Investigators Shawn McDevitt, Sergeant Dylan Pugh and Corporal Stanley Wilson provided emergency medical aid to Sheets while the threat was still being addressed. Two tourniquets were applied, stopping the bleeding, and Sheets was transported to an emergency room by McDevitt.
According to LCSO, Wilson coordinated with dispatch to position additional units along the transportation route, while Pugh re-entered the residence to assist investigators who remained on scene.
Sergeant Ben Causland also took control of the scene while Sheets was being transported. LCSO said Causland directed personnel to take cover while moving toward the sound of gunfire to assist with the threat.
After the suspect was neutralized, Causland maintained command of the scene and assisted with evidence preservation during the subsequent investigation by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency State Bureau of Investigation.
The actions during the incident resulted in multiple awards:
* Sheriff’s Star: Investigator Matt Sheets * Medal of Valor: Investigator Matt Parks * Sheriff’s Distinguished Medal: Investigator Shawn McDevitt, Corporal Stanley Wilson, Sergeant Dylan Pugh and Sergeant Ben Causland * Sheriff’s Meritorious Service Award: Sergeant Ben Causland
LCSO said the coordinated response involved simultaneously addressing the active threat, providing emergency medical care, securing the child, coordinating transportation and preserving evidence.
Deputy Pierce Moore and Lee County Probate Office employee Carolyn Golden were also recognized for their response to a separate medical emergency at the Lee County Courthouse on August 24, 2026.
According to LCSO, Moore was assigned to the courthouse when he was notified of a citizen experiencing a medical emergency inside the Driver’s License Office. Golden also responded and found a woman who had collapsed and become unresponsive.
Golden began providing medical assistance, retrieved an automated external defibrillator and, after detecting a faint pulse, began performing CPR. Moore then joined Golden and assisted with CPR until emergency medical personnel arrived.
The two were recognized with the Life Saving Medal, awarded to Moore, and the Community Recognition Award, presented to Golden. LCSO said the actions of Moore and Golden directly contributed to preserving the citizen’s life.
The sheriff’s office said the awards ceremony recognizes employees who demonstrated courage, leadership, initiative, teamwork and a commitment to protecting and serving the Lee County community.
Related stories
LocalLee County Sheriff’s Office honors employees with awards for courage and lifesaving actions
LocalLee County Sheriff Jay Jones alleges Alabama GOP Chairman threatened removal over candidate endorsement
LocalLee County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant faces long road to recovery after cancer battle
LocalHunt files ethics complaint over alleged use of Lee County Sheriff’s Office GPS System
LocalNine acres burn in brush fire in Russell County’s Dixie community