Quick action by Walker County Officer Saves Inmate's Life

NAUVOO, Ala. —

On Tuesday, a man who had just been booked into the Walker County Jail experienced a drug overdose. A corrections officer quickly intervened and administered Narcan, saving the man's life.

"The health monitor sounded off an orange alert so Officer Sherer went to do a visual and audible check on the inmate," Sheriff Nick Smith said.

Franklin Sherer is the corrections officer Smith is referring to. Sherer stated that he was monitoring the health displays when he noticed one had turned orange, indicating that there were no vital signs coming from the cell.

Sherer said he quickly went to check on the inmate and realized what was happening before administering two doses of Narcan, ultimately saving his life.

"I really made sure that I did make the right call by calling the code," Sherer said. "I knew that the inmate previously might've had something on him, but I didn't know what. I immediately went to my Narcan and dosed him and I started following up, 'hey buddy are you all right, hey I need you to talk to me.'"

The health monitors Sherer was watching are a recent addition to the jail. They were installed in July 2024 after the Walker County Commission approved the funding.

Smith stated that he has been advocating for medical improvements throughout the jail since taking office in 2019. While he is pleased to see the new health monitors and the introduction of 24/7 medical care in the jail, he is frustrated that it took so long for these changes to be implemented.

"I am thankful for the steps forward that we are making," Smith said. "I don't want to sound like I'm ungrateful, I'm very grateful, but it shouldn't take bad things happening to get them."

He's talking about the death of Tony Mitchell, the inmate who died while in WCSO custody. That death is what inspired Sherer to join law enforcement.

"I was not going to sit by [any] longer and let events happen that I possibly could have prevented," Sherer said.

Smith stated that further improvements are planned for the jail. They have just received $76,000 to enhance the facility's safety.

https://www.wvtm13.com/article/body-camera-walker-county-sheriff-officer-saves-inmate/64796902