Police Officer Robert J. Paton

As I see such Officers like Officer Paton who layed the ground work for Law Enforcement, I cannot be any prouder to have worn a badge for 32yrs and Retired as a Lieutenant because of a shoot out on November 21 2018 with a 30yr. X Felon where I was shot twice returned fire killing him. I would not change anything in my career including the shooting. That's the Love I have for the job ,Police officers are Born by God's grace, not made.Sir so many of our Brothers and Sisters have died tragically it's in hurt to the soul to me that I lived and they didn't. God has a reason why. I'm 66 yrs old grandbabies, great grandbaby was it them , was it to tell my story to young officers to STAY ALIVE. Don't know? Sir I'm so sorry you left family, friends, Police Department behind but this i say Thank you and I Love you my Brother.I will meet you one day. Romans 13 4

Retired Lieutenant Tommy Pettus
Talladega Alabama Police Department

April 4, 2025