Biddle Award to Joshua Casson

Joshua Casson

FLORENCE — Lauderdale County Sgt. Joshua Casson was honored last week with the Richard B. Biddle Award for Law Enforcement Excellence during the annual joint meeting of the Greater Shoals and Florence Rotary Clubs. Casson presides over the Special Victims Unit located at One Place of the Shoals Family Justice Center.

The unit handles cases involving domestic violence, sexual assault, sexual abuse, child abuse, child exploitation and elder abuse.

“Of all crimes out there, they see the worst of the worst,” said Lauderdale County Sheriff, Joe Hamilton, who nominated Casson for the award. “It takes a very special person to be able to do that type of work, and we’re extremely proud to have (Casson) on our team. I can’t think of any person more deserving of this award.”

The award is presented locally each year during National Police Week.

Casson deflected attention from himself and toward One Place of the Shoals.

“I’ve got a great team at One Place,” Sgt. Casson said. “They do all the hard work, and I reap some of the benefit.”

“It’s a great honor,” he added. “I appreciate the sheriff putting my name in and for all the leadership opportunities I’ve been provided.”

Casson began his career as a patrol deputy in 2018 and became known for a proactive approach toward enforcing laws while having a “community-first mentality.”

Casson is on the Internet Crimes Against Children and the Homeland Security task force. He speaks to students at Lauderdale County schools about healthy relationships and internet safety.

Casson was also a member of the U.S. Air Force, both full-time and reservist roles from 2002–2023, and has received more than 30 medals.

The law enforcement award is named in honor of Dick Biddle, who was the founder of WOWL-TV, a staunch advocate for law enforcement, and the creator of the original award.