Charles Bradley

Officer Charles Bradley died by suicide on February 12, 2020. He served as a law enforcement officer for 20 years and additional 5 years serving his country with the U.S.C.G. On June 15, 1975, a 5lb bright and joyful soul was born to Danny Bradley and Nancy Berry Bradley of Fairfield, Alabama. His kind and affectionate soul of bringing laughter and servitude to others quickly grew as a small child and his desire to fulfill his purpose to others led him towards his path to becoming a leader and inspiring others. At the early age of 16, he was led to his soul mate where they both brightened and completed one another. They both graduated from Hueytown High School in 1993. After completing Hueytown High School and eager to fulfill his driven purpose and too young to enter Police Academy, he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard in June 1994 at the age of 19 and in September, united in September bringing two souls together to make one. He completed U.S.C.G basic in Cape May in October. He encouraged many of his fellow comrades to complete the grueling training by leading them in prayer and leading them to our Lord, many would go on to give him the title as the chaplain of his company. He served on the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Scioto, Keokuk, Iowa as a Seaman where he earned the nickname “BAMA” His beacon of light and radiate smile kept many lonely seaman from drifting down the depths of the Mississippi river all while maintaining and servicing the navigational aids of the mighty Mississippi. Later he served as a Boat Crew boarding team officer at U.S. Coast Guard Station Destin, Florida. His last destination landed him in Mobile Alabama where he held the rank of Aviation Maintenance Technician AMT 3. He graduated September 12, 1997 from the United States Coast Guard Aviation Technical Training Center, Elizabeth City, North Carolina, earning many accommodations and recognitions throughout his career of helping others and serving his country. He assisted in search and rescues and earned recognition from the Special Forces’ Rangers and was honorably discharged in 2000. Although he loved serving his country, his deep conviction of servitude for his state in which he loved brought him home. He graduated from the North East Alabama Police Academy in Jacksonville. Charles began his Law Enforcement Career as an Officer for the City of Alabaster, Alabama in February 2000. Within three years he served as an FTO, Narcotics Officer, Corporal, Special Response Team, and Sergeant supervising night shift patrol; he received many accommodations along with Officer of the Year. His leadership skills and the love for his officers captivated many hearts and inspired them to be the leaders they are today. His legacy can still be heard from the officers still to this day. As his family grew so did his passion to fulfill a greater destination. The destination led him to the adjoining city of Pelham, Alabama in 2005. He served as a Night Shift Officer most of his 14 years with the department. He was nominated and received many accommodations including arresting two burglars caught in the act at local business which led to clearing of over 25 cases in 6 different jurisdictions. Charles was known to have a keen eye and intuition, his initial actions and ability to defuse any situation has given him notoriety for being one of the best night shift officers the city of Pelham. He was often recommended to help other local cities when hostile events occurs and extra foot patrol is needed.