Seventeen years ago, a young Dale County Sheriff's jailer began working alongside a sheriff's reserve deputy who would influence his life in several ways.
That jailer is now Dale County Sheriff Wally Olson, and the reserve deputy was Don Williams.
Williams died Wednesday night after his patrol vehicle wrecked while on the way home from work. Ozark Police Chief Tony Spivey said it appeared Williams suffered some sort of medical episode before the vehicle crashed.
No other vehicles were involved in the crash and no one else was injured, according to Spivey.
Olson said Williams was a reserve civil process server for the department and had just finished serving papers before the incident. As a reserve deputy, most his work for the county was completed for free.
"Don was just an extraordinary individual -- the way he made people feel, his energy and the pride he had in the sheriff's department. He has been through a lot, but the one thing he's always done was take care of his family and never complained about anything. We've literally grown up together as a family in this department," Olson said.
"He will never be able to be replaced."
Williams' brother-in-law, David Jerkins, said Williams also served as a security guard for Southeast Alabama Medical Center.
"He was well-loved by the family and an all-around nice guy. He's known by a lot of people and for ages and ages he's served," Jerkins said.
"It's a tragic loss. No matter how much you prepare for everything, you just never expect it."
Dale County District Attorney Kirke Adams said Williams was a hardworking deputy who was dedicated to his position.
"What is a big loss for the law enforcement community tonight is an even bigger loss to the community in general. (Williams) will be dearly missed," Adams said.
Copyright 2012 - Dothan Eagle, Ala.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
