Randolph County honors fallen officers

On June 22, 2000, two individuals entered the 91-year-old Randolph County jail in Huntsville to visit a friend but the visit ended in gunfire and the deaths of two law enforcement officers.

Leon Egley, 33, jail supervisor, and Jason Acton, 36, deputy sheriff were mortally wounded during a failed jail break. The two suspects were later caught. Michael Tisius, 19 at the time of the slayings, was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to death.

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the tragedy. The courtroom of the Randolph County Justice Center was filled to capacity last Friday with those honoring the officers with a memorial service.

At the time of the murders, then Sheriff Don Ancell said one of the main problems of the old jail was there was no barrier between the lobby and the dispatch area.

There had been talk for some time about the need for a new facility. The two deaths provided the impetus to finally get the project started. While the construction met several obstacles along the way, the new Randolph County Justice Center stands as a secure, state-of-the art facility.

Each year a memorial service is held at the Justice Center to honor the sacrifice of the two law enforcement officers and to note the improvements that have been made to keep others safe.

“There are few comforting thoughts,” said Circuit Judge Scott Hayes. “But one comforting thought is they didn’t die in vain. We have metal detectors, lock codes, security to protect the 1,000 or so people who come through this door every day. We have gone from a rickety jail to a corrections facility. It has been hard-fought but it is a fitting tribute to the sacrifice they made.”

Ralph Jayne, who was circuit judge at the time of the Justice Center construction, offered his thanks to the families of Egley and Acton for the sacrifice made.

“We never shall forget that,” he said.

Photos below:  Wreaths honoring Jason Acton, left, and Leon Egley, right, stand at the front of the courtroom in the Justice Center during Friday’s memorial service. These memorial wreaths were designed and created by Barb and Pat Thomas .