Local captain receives award

DAUPHIN ISLAND, Ala. - For many people in south Mobile County, the Dauphin Island bridge is a constant reminder of the tragedy that claimed the lives of four small children.

"It's the type of case that will haunt you for the rest of your life," said Captain Darryl Wilson with the Bayou La Batre Police Department.

Three-year-old Ryan Phan, two-year-old Hannah, one-year-old Lindsey and four-month-old Danny Loung were all thrown off the Dauphin Island bridge by their father, Lam Luong.

Wilson handled the case from the beginning to the end. He said it was a constant struggle.

"When you go home at night that's when you let your personal feelings come out, but when you're here you take care of business and bring things to a just end," he said.

Wilson said the hardest part was actually searching for the children in the Mississippi Sound.

"The most difficult part is when we found the children and went to each scene and brought those children back."

Recently, Wilson was recognized for his efforts on the case. The State Attorney General's Office named him Police Officer of the Year for Southern Alabama.

"A great award for the police department," said Wilson. "A great award for the our city because there are a lot of people who stepped up to the plate and helped us out."

Wilson said he appreciates the acknowledgment, but his true reward will always be the guilty verdict.

"At that point we knew our job was done and we did it to the best of our ability."

Wilson received his award Tuesday in Montgomery.

Three other law enforcement officers were also honored for their efforts across the state.