There’s been some encouraging news the last couple weeks on the local enforcement scene, from the quick actions of the Columbiana Police Department to a sizeable donation to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.

Columbiana doesn’t see a whole lot of crime. The city’s weekly police reports usually contain only a few items. That’s a great thing for city residents, one of the many things that makes the county seat such a pleasant place to live.

But make no mistake: as two officers and a dispatcher recently proved, when stuff hits the fan inside the city limits, the Columbiana Police Department is quick with a professional response.

Such was the case April 14, when a civil dispute between two men wound up the CPD parking lot. Thanks to the quick actions of Police Chief Lamar Vick, Officer David Alexander and Dispatcher Kathy Stough, what could have been a deadly situation ended peacefully.

There was more encouraging news from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, which continues to serve county residents well despite limited financial resources.

That’s why a $50,000 donation from brothers Jason and Tim Carpenter, county residents and owners of Big South Wholesale LLC, was such important news.

All of the money is going to the Shelby County Drug Enforcement Task Force, which plans to use the money for equipment and training to combat gun violations encountered during the course of battling drugs. Good news, indeed.

This weekend, the Pelham Police Department and sheriff’s office are teaming up to raise money for the Special Olympics. The “Cops on Top” fundraiser will be held this Friday and Saturday at the Greystone Walmart on Highway 280.

Two cops — Pelham Officer Debbie Warner and sheriff’s investigator Shelby O’Connor — will be suspended in a bucket truck for the better part of 48 hours. Other officers will be setup in the parking lot.

If you happen to be in that area Friday or Saturday, stop by and make a small donation to benefit Alabama’s Special Olympics athletes.

And, while you’re there, be sure to say thanks to some of the dedicated men and women of Shelby County’s law enforcement agencies. From the sheriff’s office to city police departments, keeping us protected can be a dangerous and often thankless job.

Brad Gaskins is a staff writer for the Shelby County Reporter. He can be reached at 669-3131 ext. 14 or by email at brad.gaskins@shelbycountyreporter.com.