BY MICHELLE KEY
PUBLISHER
LEE COUNTY — The Lee County Commission opened its Aug. 31 meeting by recognizing a group of employees and citizens credited with helping save the life of a woman who suffered a medical emergency inside the county’s driver’s license office on Monday, Aug. 24.
Probate Judge Jere Colley said Grady Latimore first noticed something was wrong with the woman while she was sitting in a chair in the office. After she collapsed, Willie Mae Lilly alerted other staff members. Deputy Pierce Moore and Carolyn Golden began CPR, while Mary Arnold and Ed Brown helped manage the scene and contact emergency responders.
“I don’t think that there’s any question she would not be with us today if it weren’t for this crowd,” Colley said.
Colley said county officials initially believed the woman had died, but learned about a day later that she was alive and doing well.
“This could be your mom, your grandma, your wife, your you, and I can’t thank them enough for being heroes,” Colley said.
Debra Brooks
The commission also recognized Debra Brooks as she retired following 25 years of service with the Lee County Highway Department.
County Engineer Justin Hardee praised Brooks for her decades of work with county residents, employees and emergency response efforts. He said Brooks had served in nearly every administrative position within the department and played an important role in helping the county document expenses and secure reimbursement following tornadoes, floods, ice storms, hurricanes and other disasters.
“I’ve referred to Miss Brooks more than once as the heart and soul of the Highway Department,” Hardee said. “She’s been just that.”
Hardee said Brooks was also known for the personal attention she gave her coworkers, including recognizing birthdays and making sure employees felt appreciated.
“There is not a more dedicated, loyal, sacrificial employee of Lee County, in my opinion,” Hardee said. “It’s going to be a different Highway Department tomorrow when she is not present.”
Brooks reflected on beginning her career with the county as a temporary employee in 2001 before being hired permanently later that year. She became an administrator in 2010.
“We’ve all made mistakes, and I have made many in my career, but I’ve learned much, and I tried to pour out into others much with what I’ve learned,” Brooks said.
She thanked the county for the opportunities her career had provided her and her family and praised the Highway Department employees she worked alongside.
“Our crews — they are the heartbeat of this county,” Brooks said. “They do so much and do it so well.”
Following her remarks, Colley told Brooks that while she credited the county for what it had provided her, her contribution to Lee County had been far greater.
“The county may have given you those things, but what you gave the county dwarfs all that other stuff,” Colley said. “We’re a better place. The Highway Department’s a better place because of Debra Brooks.
In other business
Under old business, commissioners approved the appointment of Dozier Smith T, Vertrina Grubbs and Bob Dumas to the East Alabama Health Care Authority Board following a second reading.
Under new business commissioners approved
- An educational reimbursement request presented by Sheriff Jay Jones.
- A bid from Auburn Generator and Starter for Lee County Sheriff’s Office vehicle maintenance.
- New alcohol license fees in the same amounts as the corresponding state fees.
- The fiscal year 2027 County Transportation Plan.
- The fiscal year 2026 Emergency Management Performance Grant cooperative agreement for $84,821.
The consent agenda included:
- Approval of minutes from the Aug. 10 commission meeting
- Ratification of claims and procurement card transactions
- A first reading for two positions on the Lee County Youth Development Center Board.
