FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS ADVISORY
October 16, 2018
Steve Marshall
For More Information, contact:
Mike Lewis (334) 353-2199
Alabama Attorney General
Joy Patterson (334) 242-7491
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Attorney General Steve Marshall Holds 19 Annual Statewide
Law Enforcement Summit
(MONTGOMERY) – Attorney General Steve Marshall hosted approximately 900 law
enforcement officials from all over the state of Alabama today during the 19th annual
Attorney General’s Law Enforcement Summit. The 2018 summit offered a day of
instruction in ongoing and new challenges facing police officers, sheriff’s offices and
State law enforcement officials.
Attorney General Marshall began the summit by welcoming law enforcement officers
and thanking them for their service and sacrifice to ensure the public’s safety. “It is a
great honor to serve as your Attorney General for the past 21 months and there is no job
I would rather do than stand in support of you, the men and women who uphold the
law and protect our communities,” he said. “I am thankful for the invaluable assistance
and cooperation we have received from law enforcement throughout Alabama. The
teamwork exhibited on all levels of law enforcement is making a positive difference for
Alabamians.”
The Attorney General provided an update on law enforcement activities by his office in
the past year, noting that his Investigations Division conducted regional law
enforcement training sessions attended by 226 personnel from the Shoals to the
Wiregrass, including 22 police departments, eight sheriff’s offices and 11 other agencies.
Attorney General Marshall’s Office also participated in four federal, state and local
violent crime operations which have collectively taken more than 200 violent offenders
with guns off the streets from the Central Alabama River Region to the Gulf Coast.
This year’s summit featured a presentation from Chief Jarrod Burguan of the San
Bernardino, California, Police Department about how law enforcement handled a 2015
terrorist attack and lessons learned from the experience. Alabama Assistant Attorney
General Michael Dean gave a comprehensive update of recent changes in Alabama’s
criminal laws including updates about search and seizure laws. Douglas Astralaga,
Chief Division Counsel for the Mobile Division of the FBI, addressed issues related to
the use of force and deadly force confrontations.
501 Washington Avenue * Montgomery, AL 36104 * (334) 242-7300
www.ago.alabama.gov Page 2 of 2
A somber highlight of the day came with the commemoration of fallen officers who lost
their lives in the line of duty during the past year. Attorney General Marshall and Chief
Deputy Attorney General Clay Crenshaw recognized the sacrifices of the following
officers with a presentation of certificates of honor:
Officer Justin Taylor Billa of the Mobile Police Department was shot and killed on
February 20, 2018, while assisting in the apprehension of a suspect who had just
murdered his ex-wife. Officer Billa, who was only 27-years-old at the time of his death,
is remembered for his dedication to duty and as a loving father. He served two years
with the Mobile Police Department, and is survived by his wife and a one-year-old son.
Huntsville Police Officer Keith O’Neal Earle died from injuries sustained in an on-duty
vehicle accident on March 26, 2018. He is remembered as an encourager and motivator
to not only his family but also to the people in the Huntsville community he served
daily in his 25 years with the Huntsville Police Department. He is survived by his wife
and five children.
Special Agent Gregory P. Fee was assigned to the Special Prosecutions Division of the
Attorney General’s Office. On July 31, 2018, Special Agent Fee used his lunch hour for
an exercise work-out, as he regularly did, and died after an apparent heart attack. He
was a retired FBI Special Agent. Special Agent Fee is remembered by his family and
loved ones as an adventurer and a wonderful provider.
“We pause to remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for public safety,”
observed Attorney General Marshall. “Let us all be encouraged as we remember and
honor their legacy of commitment, dedication and service.”
The 2018 Attorney General Law Enforcement Summit was held at Frazer United
Methodist Church in Montgomery.
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