COTTONWOOD, Ala. — The small town of Cottonwood, situated near the Alabama-Florida line, is grappling with a significant shortage in its police force, leaving the community of over 1,000 residents with just one officer patrolling its streets. This situation has raised concerns about public safety, with local officials trying to manage the issue amid a series of challenges.
On Wednesday evening, WDHN received an anonymous tip regarding the town’s police force, which revealed that Chief Tony Money was currently the only officer working the streets. According to the source, Chief Money had recently seen his work hours reduced from 60-70 hours a week to 30-40 hours, which would leave the town without a patrolling officer for much of the week.
However, Cottonwood’s Mayor, Van Granger, disputed this claim, stating that the decision to cut back the chief’s hours was not a result of external pressure. During a town council meeting held Tuesday night, the issue of the chief’s working hours was raised, and it was followed by a meeting the next morning where Chief Money allegedly expressed his desire to reduce his hours. According to Mayor Granger, the chief confirmed that he would remain on call for any emergencies, despite the reduction in his regular working hours.
While Chief Money did not provide a formal statement, he told WDHN over the phone, “I love this town,” declining to comment further on the matter. Mayor Granger speculated that the reduced hours were related to potential health issues Chief Money might be facing, noting that the chief had been exposed to fentanyl during a drug bust in September 2024. The exposure led to temporary hospitalization for Col. Jim Smith, who has since taken on the role of the town’s public safety director and media liaison.
In addition to the health concerns, Cottonwood’s police department has faced further disruption due to the departure of Sergeant Justin Pearson. Sources claimed that Pearson left the department after being targeted by a member of the town council. WDHN has reached out to the identified council member for comment, but no statement has been received.
Mayor Granger stated that he was working to hire additional officers to fill the vacancies and ensure adequate coverage for the town. Until new recruits are brought on, he explained that two deputies from the Houston County Sheriff’s Office would assist with patrolling and responding to calls in the area.
“The town is perfectly safe,” Granger assured residents in a statement.
The situation in Cottonwood follows a series of leadership changes, with Mayor Granger assuming office after the sudden resignation of former mayor James Coachman earlier this year. Since taking office, Granger has made efforts to bring the town into a new era, but he has faced significant challenges.
“There is too much criticism,” Mayor Granger said, reflecting on the difficulties of leading the town amid public scrutiny. “It’s ruining our small town.”
As Cottonwood navigates these issues, residents and local officials are hoping for a resolution that will restore the town’s sense of security and stability. With a strained police force, ongoing leadership transitions, and health-related concerns, the community remains in a delicate situation. Only time will tell how the town addresses these challenges and whether new measures will be taken to improve public safety and local governance.
