By Andrew Garner

Editor

Hiding in the floorboard of his dad’s car, a young John Stallworth couldn’t help but be amazed as he watched an Alabama State Trooper follow a normal traffic stop routine.

From that moment on, Stallworth knew he wanted to be a police officer.

After more than 20 years of service in law enforcement, Stallworth was rewarded for his hard work when he was recently promoted to an investigator in the Atmore Police Department.

“The guy that caught my attention was (former Alabama State Trooper) Woody Stewart,” he said. “He’s retired. I’ll never forget it — he gave my daddy a ticket. I’ve looked up to him ever since.

“I never met him until I started working here,” he said. “I’ve heard rumors about him, but I never shook hands with him until I started this job.”

Stallworth started working with the APD in 1994 as a patrol officer. He then went to work in Bay Minette from 2001-2005, but returned to Atmore, where’s been ever since.

Stallworth said his first night on patrol was spent with former APD Chief Jason Dean.

In high school, Stallworth made it his goal in life to become a state trooper.

“Right after high school, I came up here and talked to Chief Carlee about a job, but I wasn’t quite old enough,” he said. “It took about a year of asking, but he kept telling me I wasn’t old enough. Just before my 21st birthday, he gave me an application and called me for a job.”

Stallworth rose through the ranks while on the job. He was a sergeant before becoming an investigator.

His job description is basically centered around doing criminal investigations.

“I follow up on any felony complaint that’s been filed,” he said.

Additionally, Stallworth said his job affords him the opportunity to help others.

“I like working with people,” he said. “I like helping people, even if it is sometimes from themselves. I really enjoy the work. This was my first fulltime job I ever had. It’s the only thing I’ve been good at.”

Since he’s been at the APD, Stallworth said he’s worked on about every type of case.

“Since I’ve been here, it’s your burglaries and stolen credit cards,” he said. “Even on patrol, everybody has a team part in it.”

Having been recently promoted, Stallworth said he’s training under the best, which includes APD Chief Chuck Brooks and Investigator Robby Williams.

“I have a good trainers here,” he said. “I work directly under Robbie Williams.

“I’ll be here for a long time to come.”

Stallworth is married to Tyann, and the couple has one daughter, Alexandria.