Law enforcement reacts to officer death

The full weight of Mobile Police Officer Steven Green's death is being felt both throughout Mobile and surrounding areas.

Nowhere is this truer than in the law enforcement agencies throughout Mobile and surrounding areas.

“This is a sad day for law enforcement across the country and for the city of Mobile. We are family and that’s why you’ve seen so much support,” said Chief Micheal T. Williams with the Mobile Police Department.

Officer Green’s tragic death has shaken many people.

It has taken away someone that people loved and cherished. But his death has also affected law enforcement agencies, not just from Mobile but throughout the area.

Prichard Police Chief Jimmie Gardner says once the news broke, his officers were distraught.

“It became quite solemn around the police department, knowing we had lost one of our brothers,” Gardner said.

Gardner says many of his officers knew Green very well and were devastated to hear of his death.

“This is one of those things that’s hard to accept. I was talking to the officers and so often we take so much for granted," said Gardner. "When we leave home, it makes you think whether or not we hugged our loved ones and if they hugged us. We sometimes take it for granted that we’re coming back that evening but that’s not always the case."

Law enforcement agencies from Mobile to Baldwin County responded to the scene Friday night.

Many honored Green’s memory Saturday by flying their flags at half-staff and by wearing black ribbons over their badges.

“When we’re standing together and we are supporting each other, we will be able to move forward. We will be able to accept that Officer Green is not coming home in the physical sense, but his spirit and his memories will be celebrated in a very, very special way,” Gardner said.

Chief Gardner also expressed that the Prichard Police Department offers its deepest condolences to the family of Officer Green and the Mobile Police Department.

Gardner says they also offer their support and any assistance needed in the future.