Two Alabama troopers who braved rough waters to save lives have been named recipients of the 2024 Trooper of the Year Award by the Alabama State Trooper Association.

Senior Troopers Jacob Manning and Kenny Wade of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's Marine Patrol Division in Baldwin County were recognized for their heroic actions during a high-risk rescue in October on Perdido Bay. The pair responded to a distress call involving two capsized vessels and four people stranded in the water.

Despite poor visibility and dangerous weather conditions, Manning and Wade managed to locate and pull all four individuals to safety. ALEA officials said their swift response and calm under pressure likely saved lives.

"Troopers Manning and Wade's heroic actions exemplify the highest standards of law enforcement," said ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor in a news release. "Their quick thinking, teamwork, and unwavering dedication to public safety saved lives and serve as an inspiration to us all."

The Trooper of the Year Award, presented annually by ASTA, is one of the agency's highest honors.

ALEA also named Senior Trooper Brent Pickle, assigned to the Highway Patrol Division in Jefferson County, as runner-up for the award. Pickle and his K-9 partner, Pici, were credited with multiple high-impact operations that removed large quantities of illegal narcotics and firearms from Alabama roadways.
Pici retired last year due to medical complications, but Taylor said their work left a lasting mark on the state's public safety efforts.

"Trooper Pickle and K-9 Pici's partnership and achievements have undoubtedly made Alabama's communities safer," Taylor added. "Though K-9 Pici has retired, the work they accomplished together will never be forgotten."