Corporal Dwight Grooms of the Headland Police Department has been chosen as the Alabama Statewide Officer of the Year for his actions on April 24, 2009 in southern Henry County just east of Headland. Cpl Grooms was nominated for the award by Headland Police Chief Mark Jones for what he states was heroic and professional behavior during a shootout that left Officer Dexter Hammon dead and Henry County Sheriff's Deputy Ted Yost critically injured after Fred Davis opened fire on the officers in the Granberry Crossing Community.

“I thought about getting out, but I told my wife Dexter died for me,” Grooms said. “I got to thinking Dexter wouldn’t quit if I got killed. I’d rather have Dexter back than all the awards in the world.”

Links to related articles:

Dothan Eagle

Montgomery Advertiser

Dothan First - WDHN

WTVY News 4