ALEA Announces Lifesaving and Distinguished Service Awards

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (PRESS RELEASE) – The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Secretary Hal Taylor is
pleased to announce the recipients of the Agency’s Lifesaving and Distinguished Service Awards
for outstanding professionalism and skills displayed through a heroic act that preserved the life
of another.
Secretary Taylor said, “We are truly grateful to have such dedicated and courageous Troopers, as
well as Special Agents, who exemplify the Agency’s mission while providing protection and
applying the appropriate action and training to assist every individual in what may seem like
their darkest hour.”
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Secretary Taylor presented the awards to eight individuals, two
within ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division and six assigned to ALEA’s State Bureau of
Investigation (SBI), during a closed ceremony held at ALEA Headquarters for the family and
colleagues of the recipients. The event highlighted remarkable stories detailed by Department of
Public Safety (DPS) Director Colonel Jimmy Helms and SBI Director Chris Inabinett.
Senior Trooper Gabriel Gilbert, assigned to ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division, received the
Lifesaving Award for his quick thinking and decision-making, which resulted in preserving the
life of a citizen.
On May 11, Sr. Trooper Gilbert was patrolling Interstate 459 in Jefferson County when he
discovered an individual who was parked on the side of the road and was unresponsive inside
their vehicle. After assessing the situation, Sr. Trooper Gilbert suspected a narcotics overdose
and immediately administered Narcan, which is used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
He then called for additional medical services to further assist the individual.
Now retired, Senior Trooper John Vincent received the Distinguished Service Award for his
extraordinary heroism and actions above the call of duty, and at the risk of his own life. On May
18, Sr. Trooper Vincent responded to a high-speed pursuit involving officers from multiple local
agencies and a suspect wanted for murder. The suspect stole a vehicle and was using it to strike
law enforcement vehicles while firing at officers. Ultimately, the suspect’s vehicle was disabled,
which resulted in the individual exiting and holding an innocent citizen at gunpoint. Sr. Trooper
Vincent gave the suspect several verbal commands, but the suspect refused to release his weapon
and pointed the firearm at Sr. Trooper Vincent. With no other option, Sr. Trooper Vincent
discharged his weapon to stop the suspect and then immediately requested medical services to
provide assistance.
In addition to the awards received by Troopers, SBI Special Agents along with officers from
local agencies, who are also assigned to ALEA’s SBI Task Force, were each presented with a
Lifesaving Award for their ceaseless efforts and heroic actions in preserving the life of an
individual who was arrested during a large-scale drug trafficking investigation in Jefferson
County that occurred July 28. While being transported to the jail, the suspect collapsed and
began to experience a medical emergency. Lieutenant Paul Hayes, Special Agent Senior Robert
Bailey and Task Force Officers Nick Burnett, Jon Gossett, Dustin Gray and Marcel Walker
immediately worked together to assess the situation, provide medical aide and request
paramedics. Officers quickly determined the suspect was suffering from a narcotics overdose and
administered Narcan, saving the suspect’s life before medical assistance arrived.
“While we have all continued to face the challenges and adjust to the changes caused by the
deadly pandemic and its variants in 2021, one element has remained constant in the era of the
coronavirus: the dedication and commitment of our law enforcement officers. They have
continued to answer the call, perform extraordinary tasks, and go above and beyond the call of
duty,” Secretary Taylor said. “I am proud to recognize these individuals within our Agency who
continuously display the level of courage and commitment that epitomizes American law
enforcement.”