FORT PAYNE, Ala. The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office has had a productive start to 2021. After the hardships of 2020, we all hoped and prayed for a better year, but unfortunately the Covid-19 pandemic still looms over us. I know we all feel the same when I say, if I never see a face mask again, it will be too soon. The pandemic especially hit hard here at the DCSO, with the loss of two of our own. We are truly a family, and the loss of Dep. Mickey Bowen and Lt. Jeff Bain was extremely hard on all of us. Law enforcement was in their blood, and they both were very passionate about their job. I know they would be very proud of everyone working 24/7 to protect the communities in our wonderful county.

Since the beginning of the year, we have made 84 drug cases, had 6 search warrants and have confiscated 1335 grams of methamphetamine, 7564 grams of marijuana, 17 grams of heroin, 3 grams of cocaine, 1031 grams of synthetic marijuana and 620 du pills.

We also have recovered stolen items such as utility trailers, a skid steer, a bobcat, some assorted tools, 2 cars and several firearms. 

Despite the recent hardships, the DCSO and our communities have something good to celebrate and smile about. On Friday, February 12th, the DCSO had a building dedication honoring a few good men, two of which were very instrumental in getting our current jail and administration offices constructed. The administration building is named in honor of former County Commission President Charles Bell and the detention center now bears the name of former Sheriff Cecil Reed. Both of these individuals played a significant role in the construction of our building. The two worked tirelessly getting this project started. Sadly, Commission President Charles Bell passed away in 2001, before the construction was completed. The new facility was completed and opened for business in 2006.

The Sallyport is named after one of our very own, Mickey Bowen, who passed away from Covid-19 in October 2020. Deputy Bowen worked as a transport deputy in the detention center and had recently been promoted as chief executive assistant. 

DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said of the incident: "I believe everyone would agree 2020 was an all around interesting and rough year.  We definitely had our highs and lows at the DCSO.  We will never forget or get over some of these things, but as the family we have become, we will get through them together.  Going into the third year of our administration, I've seen everyone really come together and get on the same page and things just seem to click into place, from Investigations, Task Force, SRO's, Court House Security, the entire Detention Center, our Dispatch and the backbone of DCSO, our Patrol.  These men and women just continue to push forward, even when the odds are against us and the call/complaint volume outweighs us 10 to 1.  I see True Leadership being followed (and I'm not talking about me) I'm talking about men and women following the path the Lord has laid out and seeking wisdom, guidance and protection only HE can provide.  How else can you explain the record numbers being broken from taking evil off the streets with such a small army, but following The Great Leader?  I am VERY proud of the job being done by the entire DCSO family.  We greatly appreciate your continued prayers and support!  Together, we are the difference!"

"God Bless!" Concluded Sheriff Welden.