Dear editor:

First and foremost, I want to offer my sincere condolences to the family of Leaj Price. My heart and prayers are with them. The Jemison Police Department and city officials are here if there is ever anything we can do.

On Monday morning, April 13, we experienced the most tragic event to have ever occurred in our city. I write this to tell you that the residents of Jemison and across our entire county should be very proud and honored to have the quality and professionalism of first responders you have that strive each and every day to protect and serve our citizens.

During this horrific event, there were a lot of front-line responders who all worked really well together and were able to calm this very bad situation and bring it to an end without jeopardizing the safety and well-being of all others in and around the area. It is an honor for me to be a part of them, and I was very impressed with their work ethic and concern with doing whatever they needed to do in protecting everybody.

To the entire city of Jemison Department of Public Safety, Police and Rescue members: you guys were superb. I want to say thank you to all the law enforcement officers and officials who responded to the scene from all over the county, the sheriff’s department, Thorsby Police Department, Clanton Police Department, department chaplains, District Attorney’s Office, and to all the state police officers and officials who where there on the scene. I also want to thank all the ambulance companies and personnel, the Chilton County superintendent and Chilton County E-911. We had a lot of professionals from all areas doing a lot of important tasks.

To all the witnesses on the scene, I thank you so much for your help, and my thoughts and prayers are with you.

I truly believe that justice will prevail and that Eric Heath Price will be held accountable for his senseless actions. The Jemison Police Department will certainly do its part in assuring that happens. We can’t forget that there are family members involved here on both sides. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved.

Shane Fulmer, Jemison Police Chief