By Marla Jones, Managing Editor • marla@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — On Friday, the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office announced the dedication of the Charles Bell Administrative Building, the Cecil Reed Detention Center, and the Mickey Bowen Sally Port.

These buildings were named to honor the dedicated servants of years past in DeKalb County.

"This is a day I felt like needed to have come a long time ago," said Sheriff Nick Welden. 

Bell, who served as President of the DeKalb County Commission from 1998 until his death in 2001, was instrumental in the building of these facilities. As was former Sheriff Cecil Reed, who served as Sheriff during the same time Bell was in office. The facilities were completed in 2006.

Bowen, a former deputy with the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office, passed away last year due to complications caused by COVID-19. "Commissioner Bell and Sheriff Reed are true patriots of their county and left behind a great legacy for all to follow. Deputy Bowen was a prime example of someone who sacrificed it all for the community. I am so proud to do this to honor his memory and his family."