An officer for the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles has tested positive for COVID-19 and is self-quarantining at his home.

Despite the state and nationwide health threat, Alabama probation and parole officers continue to work every day to keep Alabamians safe by supervising the activities of more than 20,000 people who have been convicted of crimes and are out in the communities serving parole or probation time.

Bureau Director Judge Charlie Graddick called the officer Monday to thank him for his continuing service and to offer the prayers and gratitude of his colleagues throughout the state.

“The men and women who are out in the field doing this vital work to protect the people of Alabama while helping parolees and probationers transition to productive lives are wonderful, brave people. We pray for our officer who has contracted this illness and we wish him Godspeed. We thank him and all our officers who have chosen to serve the interests of public safety in Alabama,” Judge Graddick said.