From the Office of DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden:
FORT PAYNE, Ala. – Working along with the DeKalb County Commission, DeKalb County EMA and Board of Education, we were able to acquire a specific grant to purchase $14,000.00 worth of specialized chemical masks. These masks will be distributed to our Deputies, SRO’s, Investigators and Court House Security Team to better protect them so they can better protect you.
Deaths due to Fentanyl exposure is on the rise, not only in our County, but everywhere, and this equipment is designed to better protect our Deputies.
DeKalb County Narcotics, along with Jackson County Narcotics issued a search warrant at a residence on Al Hwy 71 in Dutton confiscating 419 pressed Fentanyl pills. Ethan Teddy Shankles was arrested by Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and charged with Trafficking in Fentanyl.
Once the residence was secure, Agents put on the proper protective equipment to avoid any exposure to Fentanyl. We have seen a major increase in the production of Fentanyl, powdered and pressed, in the last few months in our community and we are doing everything we can possibly do to combat this problem before we lose any more of our loved ones.
If you know of someone selling or using Fentanyl, please contact DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office at 256-845-3801 or send us an email through our tip line at [email protected].
DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said of the incident: “It is sad that we have to worry about getting this type of equipment just to properly do our job, but safety, not only for our Deputies, but also for you, is our number ONE goal.”
“God Bless!” Concluded Sheriff Welden.
