AL HR216

Mobile Police Officer Justin Billa is posthumously recognized as a recipient of the 2019 Alabama Legislative Medal of Honor for Law Enforcement, Alabama's highest law enforcement award for extraordinary courage in the line of duty.

On February 20, 2018, Officer Billa was fatally shot while responding to a crime investigation in the Ridge Road West area of Mobile, Alabama involving the death of Fonda Poellnitz.

During the investigation, police responded to the residence of Robert Hollie, Poellnitz's ex-husband, and while waiting for additional officers to establish a perimeter, Hollie emerged and fired multiple shots, striking Officer Billa.

Officer Billa was transported to the hospital where he died from his injuries; SWAT members subsequently found Hollie deceased inside the residence from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The House of Representatives honors Officer Billa for his immense bravery and unwavering commitment to protect and serve others.