By Jeff Devine, Editor-in-Chief, Dale County Chronicle.
MIDLAND CITY — The Midland City Police Department and city officials recognized several law enforcement officers and first responders last night with the presentation of Life Saving Awards during the Midland City Council meeting, honoring their actions during multiple life-threatening incidents over the past month.
Midland City Police Chief Keith Gray addressed Mayor Joann Grimsley and the City Council as the awards were presented, emphasizing the dedication and professionalism of the officers being honored.
“Mayor Grimsley, and Midland City Council Members, I am pleased to stand before you today as we recognize law enforcement officers from the Midland City Police Department for their dedication to duty,” Gray said.
The Life Saving Awards stem from three separate incidents, including two medical emergencies and a potentially fatal train-related call, in which officers and first responders intervened to save lives.
One of the incidents occurred on December 19, 2025, when Captain Ashley Paul and Reserve Officer Christopher “Ted” Taylor Jr. were dispatched to a medical call on Joe Walding Drive. According to Chief Gray, a citizen had collapsed while checking her mailbox and was unresponsive and not breathing.
“Captain Ashley Paul and Reserve Officer Taylor both administered CPR until members of the Echo EMS and Midland City Fire Department arrived on scene and provided a higher level of care,” Gray said.
The individual was later identified as Becky Goss Merideth. Emergency responders were able to restore her pulse at the scene, and she was transported to Flowers Hospital, where she survived for an additional 11 days.
Chief Gray noted the lasting impact of the officers’ actions on the family involved.
“Ms. Merideth’s family has visited the police department to personally thank the first responders,” he said.
Gray also took time to publicly acknowledge the emergency medical personnel who assisted during the response, naming Heath Hughes, Cody Daniels, Turner Shelley, Ric Smith, Shane Wise, and John Boggs for their role in the life-saving efforts.
“I would be remiss if I did not mention the names of EMS who assisted in these life-saving efforts,” Gray told the council.
Later that same evening, Officer Jerad Ingram and Dale County Sheriff’s Deputy Mackinley Green responded to a call near Wallace College involving a person threatening to jump in front of an oncoming train. Deputy Green arrived first and began speaking with the individual as the train approached, while Officer Ingram arrived from another direction and was able to intervene.
Officer Ingram tackled the individual to the ground, preventing serious injury or loss of life.
A third incident occurred on January 16, 2026, near Midland City Hall, when another citizen was found unresponsive and not breathing. Captain Paul and Chief Gray initiated CPR, with assistance from Major Virgil Westrick of the Napier Field Police Department. Responders from Echo EMS and Dothan Fire later administered multiple defibrillator shocks, restoring the individual’s pulse.
In closing his remarks, Chief Gray praised all personnel involved in the incidents.
“The actions of all of the above-listed personnel embody the highest standards of public service,” he said.
Life Saving Awards were presented to Captain Ashley Paul, Officer Jerad Ingram, Reserve Officer Christopher Taylor Jr., Major Virgil Westrick, and Deputy Mackinley Green. A video related to the train incident was also attached as part of the case documentation and is provided in the comments. The quality of the video is not great, but it highlights the bravery and life-saving actions taken to save the man’s life.
Law enforcement officers were presented with Life Saving Awards by Police Chief Keith Gray at the Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, Midland City Council Meeting. Pictured, left-right, are Maj. Virgil Westrick, Napier Field PD; Deputy Mackliney Green, Dale County Sheriff’s Office; Chief Keith Gray; Officer Jerad Ingram, Midland City PD; and Reserve Officer Christopher Taylor, Midland City PD. Not pictured is Captain Ashley Paul.
