CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman Police Chief David Nassetta and Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry were both happy to report that the Labor Day weekend was a relatively quiet one for their departments.
Nassetta said there with no major incidents to note. “We didn’t have much of anything go on. Nothing notable,” he said. “I think we made a couple of DUIs, which is not different from any other weekend. That was pretty much it.”
Nassetta talked about the introduction of a designated police officer to patrol local parks. In the past, the Cullman Police Department assigned a part-time officer to the parks, but according to Nassetta, Cullman Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism wanted an officer who is able to take a more active role in patroling the parks. Nassetta explained that this initiative was designed to enhance visibility and response times in areas with high foot traffic, such as Heritage Park, Palomino RV Park, Hurricane Creek Park and WildWater.
Nassetta said that this new position had already shown promise, as the officer was able to address minor altercations and disturbances within the parks promptly over the holiday weekend.
Gentry said things were somewhat calm for his department as well. “Well, for the most part, it was nice and easy,” he said. “Our call volume, which again, as we’ve seen over the years, has increased, but there weren’t any major issues.” He described the weekend’s activities as regular calls for service, emphasizing that the overall atmosphere was peaceful and quiet.
Gentry was also pleased to report that there were no water-related incidents over the holiday weekend. “I’m always thankful for any holiday that is safe for our citizens,” he said.
Gentry did acknowledge a fatal traffic accident took place on Saturday, Sept 2. (www.cullmantribune.com/2023/09/02/cullman-man-dies-after-single-vehicle-crash) “Those families are in our hearts and prayers,” he said.
