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The Pike County community is saddened by the death of Captain Doug Wheeler.

Wheeler began his law enforcement career with the Pike County Sheriff’s Office in March of 1982. He was named Officer of the Year in 1991 and recognized for his undercover drug work with the Dothan Narcotics Unit, to which his work led to 60 felony drug cases.

In September 1990, just months prior to being named Officer of the Year, Wheeler was shot in the line of duty and had to undergo two major surgeries. He returned to duty three months later.

Wheeler was promoted to Captain at the Pike County Sheriff’s Office in 1995 upon Sheriff Russell Thomas taking office. After a long and successful career of working with the sheriff’s office, he retired in December 2008.

Captain Doug Wheeler will be long remembered for his caring nature, his leadership and his commitment to the citizens of Pike County, Thomas said.

“Doug was a good friend, a good man and a good leader,” Thomas said. “I enjoyed working with him; he was fun to be around and he always made you feel good with his laugher. Doug  will be missed by all who knew him and by those he served.”

Wheeler’s funeral service will be at 11 a.m. (today) Saturday, July 27, 2024, at the Pike County High School gymnasium. Burial will follow at Sweet Pilgrim Church Cemetery.