By Jeff Devine
The Daleville City Council conducted its regular meeting on Jan. 6, 2026, addressing a range of city business, recognizing public safety personnel, and making several board and commission appointments.
During the meeting, the City of Daleville and Police Chief John Crawford were recognized for receiving a letter of commendation from Wiregrass Angel House, expressing gratitude for Chief Crawford’s actions during a difficult situation. Chief Crawford also recognized several members of the Daleville Police Department for their lifesaving efforts in the line of duty. Those honored included Linda Coslett, Sgt. Jason Williams, Officer Jeffrey Arnold, Officer Wayne Riles, and Cpl. Kevin Sawyer.
“Throughout the year, we run into a lot of situations where critical incidents occur,” Chief Crawford said. “We are looked upon by the community not just as law enforcement officers, but as public servants. During this time, there was one incident on April 1 involving a cardiac patient, and if it hadn’t been for the response, a life may not have been saved.”
Mayor Jayme Stayton also expressed appreciation to the officers who were recognized.
“I want to thank every single one of you for what you do for our citizens and for our city, keeping us safe,” Stayton said. “You help people you don’t know and may never meet again, and it means a lot. Even if you don’t hear it every day, I want you to know I’m thankful for it.”
The mayor then presented City Coins to the officers.
The council reappointed Carolyn Ford and Jan Robertson to the City Tree Board and appointed Kevin Turley, Claudia Wigglesworth, Alan Souders, and Joel Adams to the Daleville Redevelopment Authority.
A request from Veronica Bosen to rent the office space currently occupied by the Daleville Area Chamber of Commerce was tabled for further consideration.
Council members approved a proclamation declaring January as Human Trafficking Prevention Month in the City of Daleville, reaffirming the city’s commitment to awareness, prevention, and community partnerships.
The proclamation states, in part, that human trafficking is both a public health issue and a crime that harms individuals, families, and communities, and that collective action is necessary to prevent exploitation and create safer environments. The proclamation also designates Daleville as a trafficking-free zone and formally declares January 2026 as Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
The council later entered executive session and returned with no action taken.
Mayor Stayton announced the mayoral appointments of Wayne Stripling and Deborah Latramore to the Daleville Planning Commission. He also reappointed John Crawford as Director of the Department of Public Safety and Police Chief. The council approved Chief Crawford’s request to keep his salary at its current level of $70,000, declining a raise.
In additional personnel matters, the council reappointed Angelia Filmore as City Clerk and approved a $5,500 annual salary increase for the position.
The council also approved a date change for the Daleville Area Chamber of Commerce’s third annual Daddy Daughter Dance, now scheduled for March 27–28, 2026. Additionally, the chamber was granted free use of Culpepper Park on May 2, 2026, for Spartan Fest and the Spring Festival.
The meeting concluded after all agenda items were addressed.
