Working along with the DeKalb County Commission, the DeKalb County EMA, and also the Board of Education the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office was able to obtain a specific grant, to buy $14,000 worth of specialized chemical masks. 

These masks will be distributed to Police Deputies, SRO’s, to the Court House Security Team and Investigators – to better protect them so they can better protect you. 

Deaths due to Fentanyl exposure are on the rise everywhere – and this equipment is designed to better protect our officers.

Both DeKalb County and Jackson County Narcotic Agents issued a search warrant at a residence on Alabama Highway 71 in the Dutton Community confiscating 419 pressed Fentanyl pills. 

Ethan Teddy Shankles was arrested by Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and charged with Trafficking in Fentanyl.  Once the residence was secure, Agents put on the proper protective equipment to avoid any exposure to Fentanyl. 

Sheriff Nick Weldon says “We have seen a major increase in the production of Fentanyl, both powdered and pressed, in the last few months in our area and were doing everything that we can possibly do to combat this problem before we lose any more of our loved ones.”

If you know of someone selling or using Fentanyl, you’re urged to contact the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office at (256) 845-3801 – or send an email to info@dekalbcountysheriff.org.