By Brandon Moseley
Wilcox County sheriff’s deputy Madison “Skip” Nicholson was shot and killed in the line of duty Wednesday night. Chief Deputy Trenton Gulley was also shot.
The two were responding to a domestic call at a home near Camden, when District Attorney Michael Jackson said a woman came running out of a house with a man behind her. The man began firing shots, striking the two deputies, Jackson said.
Gov. Kay Ivey (R) said in a statement, “Tonight, my home county of Wilcox tragically lost retired Sheriff’s Deputy Madison “Skip” Nicholson who was shot and killed in the line of duty. A Chief Deputy was also treated for his injuries. We are reminded far too often the grave sacrifice our men and women in blue face to protect our communities. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is leading the investigation on this tragic situation. My prayers go out to his family and colleagues.”
The suspect, identified as Billy Bizzell, was also shot and killed but it is unclear if one of the deputies shot him or if he shot himself.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Secretary Hal Taylor released a statement expressing his condolences. Taylor said Nicholson was retired but had a servant's heart.
“Once again, we have tragically lost a hero with a servant’s heart to protect and serve the citizens of Alabama," said Taylor. "Retired Deputy Nicholson was a true professional and dedicated public servant. His dedication to serve the public will always be remembered and the sacrifice he made will never be forgotten. We understand this has been a devastating time for all of our fellow officers in Wilcox County, who also suffered from the unexpected loss of Camden Police Chief Lorenza “Tyrone” Dale, earlier this year. As we continue to mourn alongside the law enforcement community, we also pray for the speedy and full recovery of the Wilcox County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy, who was also injured during the course of the incident and, fortunately, is reported to be doing well. As we head into the holiday season and near the end of 2021, we are reminded once more of how dangerous a career in law enforcement can be for all of our partners, whether they are full-time officers or continuing to serve as retired employees. We are truly grateful for the men and women who work throughout the state to protect and keep their fellow citizens safe. Both deputies’ courage, resolve, and brave actions will continue to live on and provide us all with an example of a fearless servant’s heart.”
The Pensacola Police Department shared in a statement on social media, “Tonight, two Deputies from the Wilcox County Sheriff’s Office in Alabama were shot as they tried to help a victim of domestic violence. One Deputy was transported to a nearby hospital. The other more seriously wounded Deputy was flown to Pensacola. That Deputy succumbed to his injuries and has passed away...We are saddened and angry. We did not know either of these Deputies, but they are our brothers. Your PPD Officers and Escambia County Sheriff's Office Deputies will stand watch over the fallen Deputy through the night and tomorrow until he is taken home. While it is a small gesture, it is vitally important to us.”
The Alabama Law Enforcement Daily Memorial wrote, “We are sad to report the loss of Deputy Madison Nicholson of Wilcox County tonight. At approx. 5 pm this evening Deputy Nicholson and Chief Deputy Trenton Gulley responded to a domestic violence call in the town of Yellow Bluff. As they arrived a woman ran out of the home followed by a man firing a weapon. Both Deputies were airlifted to the hospital, the suspect died at the scene.”
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandon.moseley@1819News.com.
