Local, state law enforcement: Memorial Day Weekend sees decreased activity

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Left to right are Cullman Assistant Police Chief Brandon Patterson, Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Secretary Hal Taylor. (City of Cullman, Cullman County Sheriff’s Office, ALEA)

CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman Police Department, Cullman County Sheriff’s Office and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency reported decreased Memorial Day Weekend activity.

Cullman Police Assistant Chief Brandon Patterson said CPD officers managed two DUI arrests over the weekend, and Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry said the weekend wasn’t bad overall for deputies.

“We had two DUI arrests, six drug-related arrests, multiple domestic violence arrests and warrants served,” Gentry said. 

The CPD and CCSO had additional officers and deputies patroling over the weekend to help enforce safety amid Memorial Day celebrations. 

ALEA reported fewer lives lost over Memorial Day Weekend 2025, announcing a notable decrease in traffic- and marine-related fatalities compared to the same period last year.

“From Friday, May 23, to Monday, May 26, ALEA Troopers only investigated three traffic-related fatalities this year, a 50% reduction from six in 2024. Additionally, there were no boating fatalities on Alabama’s waterways, a marked improvement from one recorded during the 2024 holiday weekend,” said a media release from ALEA. “The fatal traffic crashes occurred in Pike, Morgan and Bibb counties.”

It continued, “While the Agency emphasizes that even one loss of life is one too many, the decline in fatalities on both roadways and waterways is a positive indication that the continuous efforts of ALEA Troopers assigned to both the Highway and Marine Patrol Divisions, along with the Agency’s strategic education and safety messaging, are truly having an impact.”

“This year’s numbers reflect progress, but we are reminded that each statistic represents a life lost and families forever changed,” said ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor. “Our goal is always zero fatalities, and we remain committed to enforcing traffic and boating laws, while educating the public on safe practices throughout the summer months.”

Memorial Day Weekend also marked the official launch of ALEA’s annual “101 Days of Summer Safety” campaign, which runs through Labor Day. The campaign focuses on reducing crashes, fatalities and injuries through increased enforcement and public outreach during the busy summer travel season.

“Our Troopers in both Highway Patrol and Marine Patrol will be out in full force across Alabama to ensure everyone gets to their destinations and return home safely,” Taylor added. “We urge all motorists and boaters to do their part by staying alert, obeying laws and never operating a vehicle or vessel under the influence.”

The release stated, “The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency extends its deepest condolences to the families impacted by this weekend’s tragedies and remains dedicated to promoting safety on the roads and waterways throughout the state.

“ALEA’s efforts over the Memorial Day weekend included increased patrols, driver license checkpoints, and public awareness campaigns aimed at reducing fatalities and injuries. The Agency’s Marine Patrol Division conducted 726 vessel stops, issued 1,084 Marine Safety Warnings, and made 12 Boating Under the Influence (BUI) arrests. Concerning the state’s new boating-safety laws, ALEA’s Marine Patrol also issued 104 warnings for Non-Residents Operating Without a License/Certification, 104 warnings for Proximity Law Violations and 5 Warnings for Wake Sport Violations. ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division investigated 316 traffic crashes, issued 224 seat belt citations, issued 1,899 citations for speeding and made 29 Driving Under the Influence (DUI) arrests.”

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The Cullman Police Department, Cullman County Sheriff’s Office and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency reported decreased Memorial Day Weekend activity.

Cullman Police Assistant Chief Brandon Patterson said CPD officers managed two DUI arrests over the weekend, and Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry said the weekend wasn’t bad overall for deputies, who also had two DUI arrests, six drug-related arrests, multiple domestic violence arrests and warrants served. 

Both offices had additional officers and deputies patrolling over the weekend to help enforce safety amid Memorial Day celebrations. 

ALEA reported fewer lives lost over Memorial Day Weekend 2025, announcing a 50% reduction in traffic-related fatalities, from six to three, and no marine-related fatalities on Alabama’s waterways compared to the same period last year.

Memorial Day Weekend also marked the official launch of ALEA’s annual “101 Days of Summer Safety” campaign, which runs through Labor Day. The campaign focuses on reducing crashes, fatalities and injuries through increased enforcement and public outreach during the busy summer travel season.