Photo courtesy of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Alabama/Mississippi Chapter.
Former VHPD Officer Alec Phillips hugs Chief Dan Rary at the MS Walk in April.
Alec Phillips arrived at Regions Field on April 9 prepared to participate in the Multiple Sclerosis Walk and celebrate the money his team had raised. Before that happened, however, he was surprised by about 30 of his former fellow Vestavia Hills police officers.
Phillips was diagnosed with MS in summer 2014. At the time, he was a night-shift officer, only a couple years into his service with VHPD. As he began treatment, Phillips continued working with the department.
“I enjoyed working for the city. They’re good people there,” he said.
When he told his fellow officers about his diagnosis, Phillips said they all stepped up to help and “treated me like one of their own,” including helping with odd jobs around his house and letting him take time off when needed. Their willingness to go above and beyond “blew me away,” he said.
“The department was amazing, not just through this weekend, but through everything,” Phillips said. “I don’t know what I would have done without it.”
However, one of the main symptoms of MS is extreme fatigue, and many other symptoms are worsened by stress. In fall 2015, Phillips made the decision to retire.
“With that kind of job, you’ve got to be able to have the energy and have the focus to do a good job and be safe,” Phillips said.
He said retiring early was the “hardest decision I’ve ever had to make.” Not long after that, Phillips and his wife found out they had a child on the way. The Vestavia police officers who had worked with Phillips wanted to recognize his service in some way.
“We hated to see a young man just beginning his career have to end it,” VHPD Lt. Kevin York said.
While Phillips created his own team — including some VHPD officers — to raise money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and participate in the MS walk, the police department secretly set up its own team.
York said donations from within the department totaled about $750. Officers Jason McCoy and Renee Reeves led the fundraising efforts.
In addition to the donations, York said, the department decided to surprise Phillips at the MS Walk and present him with his retirement badge. After the presentation, the officers also led the walk around Regions Field.
“We just wanted to walk with him to show support and unity,” he said.
Phillips said he was speechless when the officers arrived, and the presentation of the badge was especially touching. His team raised $3,200, and Phillips said his wife and future child are what drives him to stay as healthy as possible and support research to find a cure for MS.
“I didn’t know they were going to roll up in such a way,” he said. “I’ll never forget it.”
