From the Office of DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden:

FORT PAYNE, Ala. - Commander Jim Phillips of the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office Narcotics and Criminal Interdiction Unit was invited to speak at Marion Military Institute (MMI) to address cadets majoring in Criminal Justice.  His presentation covered a wide range of law enforcement topics, drawing from personal experience during his career and current trends impacting Alabama and the nation.

Commander Phillips spoke candidly with students about the highs and lows of his law enforcement career, Alabama state laws, and pressing issues including illegal drugs and the evolving threat of fentanyl.  He emphasized the deadly consequences fentanyl continues to pose and the alarming rate at which it is infiltrating communities across the county. 

"We pride ourselves not only in enforcement, but in education," said Commander Phillips.  "Our unit is relentless in the fight against drugs and human trafficking, but we also recognize the power of prevention.  Talking to young adults and students about the real dangers of illegal narcotics is just as important as any arrest we make."

Phillips thanked MMI for the opportunity to speak with future leaders in criminal justice and law enforcement.  "Each chance we get to speak to younger generations is a chance to stop the spread of poison that is being brought into this country and distributed across our state," he said.  "It was truly and honor to speak to the cadets at MMI."

Commander Phillips also expressed gratitude to DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden for his ongoing support.  "Sheriff Welden has empowered our unit to do more than just make arrests - he's allowed us to educate, to lead, and to make a lasting impact in our communities."

The DeKalb County Narcotics and Criminal Interdiction Unit remains committed to a two-pronged approach: strong enforcement against drug and human trafficking operations, and continued community outreach to inform and protect the public.

DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said of the incident: "They couldn't have chosen a better person to speak with these students.  Jim is highly knowledgeable in his field and also possesses the ability in conveying this knowledge to his audience.  He has such a passion for his job, and it shows in everything he does."

"God Bless!" Concluded Sheriff Welden