Bass Fishing Tournament Honoring Fallen Pell City Police Officer Greg Surles
by George Becker
CBS 42 News
2008-08-27 12:03:41.0
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| From left to right: Adults: Ken and Laura Surles (Greg’s parents). Next adult is Lori Mullins (sister pictured center). Next to the right is sister Tammi Campbell. Next adult is Robin Surles. 4-year-old Makensi Surles. |
On Saturday, the weather conditions were very favorable on the shores of Logan Martin Lake in Pell City for bass fishing. Low visibility, cool temperatures, light rain and hundreds of warm hearts were in attendance to show support and honor the family of fallen Pell City Trooper Greg Surles, who died in a car crash while on duty July 4, 2008.
As what happens often in small towns across America, people and business get together and do something to lessen the pain both emotionally and financially on the families of those left behind. Dale Benton of Serra Toyota and Sergeant Don Newton of the Pell City Police Department coordinated this tournament to raise money for the Surles family and keep the memory of Greg alive.
“Over $5,000.00 was raised that day for the Surles family from local citizens across all income ranges and shows the generosity from all people touched by this tragedy,” says Sergeant Newton.
Bass fishing is a big deal in these parts and Greg was taken with the sport form a young age. “He liked fishing as a kid. We fished a lot together and if I caught one bigger then his, he would come over to the spot where I was to try to out - fish me. It was funny, he couldn’t stand it if I caught more fish then he did,” says Surles’ sister Lori Mullins.
When asked what would Greg say about Saturday’s turn-out, fellow trooper Newton offered, “Greg would laugh good-heartedly at all people standing in the rain for hours because of him, he was the cut-up of the team, always finding good intentions.”
Many fellow offices from Greg’s six years with the Pell City Police Department, and prior posts with the Talladega County Sheriff’s Department and Odenville Police, witnessed the turn-out and gave their support.
 Lori Mullins offered another insight only a sister could provide. “Greg would be so proud and amazed at the turnout. If Greg were here, and a tournament to help someone else, he would have been right out there in the rain. That’s just the type person he was. He was always willing to help others in time of need. Our hearts have changed forever but we have lots of great memories of Greg and he will never be forgotten.”
Greg is survived by his wife Robin, six-month-old Madalyn and four-year-old Makensi.
On-going donations set up at Metro Bank of Pell City, attention "Greg Surles Victum Fund."
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