Behind The Badge- APD

10/20/2025

On Friday, Oct. 10, the Athens Police Department demonstrated its commitment to community care, by ensuring a vulnerable dialysis patient received the life-sustaining medical treatment the person needed when the person had no other means of transportation.

What began as a seemingly routine, yet heartbreaking, welfare check call quickly transformed into a heartwarming display of compassion by Athens' finest. The emergency call came from DaVita Athens Dialysis Center, located off of Braly Boulevard, after concern arose that one of their patients had missed a crucial appointment. According to Athens Police Chief Anthony Pressnell, these ill-fated calls from treatment centers usually never have a positive outcome.

Recognizing the urgency of the call, Officer Bobby Hand and Sergeant Patrick Minor were immediately dispatched to the patient’s residence. After several anxious minutes, the officers were able to successfully make contact with the patient.

The patient then revealed to them the predicament that led to missing the appointment, as the patient had lost the car keys and had no other way to get to the dialysis center.

Understanding the critical nature of these appointments, Officer Hand and Sergeant Minor, with a profound sense of their sworn duty to protect and serve the residents of Athens, took it upon themselves to transport the patient to DaVita Athens Dialysis Center. But their care did not stop there. Upon arrival at the center, Officer Hand urged the staff to contact the department once the patient's treatment was completed, making sure the patient had a ride home.

Nearly four hours later, the dialysis center called and APD remained true to its word. Officer Joe Kimery quickly responded, picking up the patient and safely returning the patient home.

Chief Pressnell commended his officers' actions, noting that they are not required to transport residents, but this was a great example of the department’s commitment to the well-being of their citizens.

“This incident truly speaks a lot about the character and heart of our officers,” Pressnell said. “They are not just here to enforce laws; they are here to serve our community and this is a great example of that. Officer Hand, Sergeant Minor and Officer Kimery really exemplified what it means to go above and beyond the call of duty, this is something this person had to have and these officers made sure the person got the treatment needed. I couldn't be prouder of the compassion they showed, this was an outstanding job on all of their parts.”

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07/15/2022

Update on the pair working to distract shoppers and steal wallets:

From Det. Sgt. Kelly Fussell

"I think it is awesome how our law enforcement community works together to help each other fight criminals. I sent out information about this to multiple states and received a response from an investigator in Florida. Long story short, cooperation and teamwork from law enforcement partners in Florida and Alabama's State Bureau of Investigation led to the positive identification of the female offender in this case. I obtained warrants for her arrest. She lives in Louisville, Ky."

Fussell added:
"On another matter of the same nature - I worked a case back in February involving high dollar thefts and identity theft. The offender was identified after an extensive multi-state cooperative investigation. He was arrested in New York. We extradited him and booked him into the Limestone County Jail last night. He was boarding a flight to Jamaica when our partners in New York apprehended him.

There is a belief among criminals that smaller communities like ours are easier targets. They incorrectly assume they cannot be identified or caught."

05/16/2022

A stone at the courthouse lawn displays nine names of law enforcement officers in our community who died in the line of duty while serving Athens and Limestone County.

On Tuesday, May 17, at 5 p.m., the Athens Police Department will hold a short ceremony at the stone, known as the Law Enforcement Monument, to pay tribute to the officers on the End of Watch List. The list includes names from Athens Police, Limestone Sheriff’s Department and Alabama Troopers. Six of the nine names are from the Athens Police Department.

“The least we can do is take time to remember each name, each sacrifice,” Athens Police Chief Floyd Johnson said. “Each one left for work planning to return home to his family, but a tragedy took each one from his family and our community.”

The tragedies range from fatal wrecks to being shot to death by suspects.

“Unfortunately for our community, public safety has come at a very high price at times,” Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks said. “I encourage our community to make time to honor those taken too soon.”

The event is part of National Police Week and National Peace Officers Memorial Day. Representatives from Athens Police, the Mayor’s Office and Limestone County Commission will speak briefly during the memorial.

The public is welcome to attend. The event will be on the west side of the Courthouse at the monument. The lights at the Courthouse will be blue in honor of the nine officers.

About National Police Week and National Peace Officers Memorial Day

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls, as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.