Police Officer Edward K. Alley, Jr., Birmingham Police Department, Alabama

Police Officer Edward K. Alley, Jr.

Birmingham Police Department, Alabama

End of Watch Thursday, December 25, 1980

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Edward K. Alley, Jr.

Police Officer Edward Alley was shot and killed while apprehending two convenience store robbery suspects.

The shooter was sentenced to life without parole. The shooter had been convicted of robberies in 1976 and was on a work release program. The subject who masterminded the group of robbers was on parole for a life sentence for a previous murder.

Officer Alley and his partner set up the city's first organized black watch programs.

Officer Alley had served with the Birmingham Police Department for eight years. He is survived by his wife, daughter, and parents. His father was a police sergeant with the Birmingham Police Department.

Bio

Age 34
Tour 8 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Sentenced to life

robbery, convicted felon, parolee

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Most Recent Reflection

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I will never forget that day. My dad, Bo Pitts, BPD, volunteered to work that day since my brother and I were a little older & we were going to wait to do Christmas that evening after dad got off work. The time for dad to be home came & went. Then my grandmother called & said she heard on the police scanner that an officer was down. Mom called the precinct & they couldn't tell us anything. Dad, along with many officers went to apprehend the guys who had holed up in or near a cheap motel by the watch shop close to the precinct. We were so glad to see my dad when he got home but heartbroken over Eddie. I can still remember sitting in their living room staring at the Alley's Christmas tree. I can still see their Christmas tree in my mind. Not a Christmas goes by that I don't think of that day and the Alley family. I continue to pray for them.

Christy Pitts Little
Birmingham PD (LEO daughter)

February 28, 2025