During the January 9, 2023 Commission Meeting, the Autauga County Commission approved two resolutions commemorating the January 12, 2023, EF3 Tornado which struck Autauga County with disastrous consequences.

The first resolution honored and remembered the victims and their families. Those who lost their lives during the deadly tornado include Carmen Cox Autery, Christopher Allen Corbin, Jr., Deanna Marie Corbin, Tessa Celeste Desmet, Robert Gardner, Jr., Solomon A. Smith, and Andrea Sue Taylor.

“This is a very emotional time for Autauga County”, said Chairman Jay Thompson. “One year ago this week, an EF3 Tornado left a deadly path of destruction through Autauga County, and seven residents lost their lives. We must continue to honor and remember those individuals who lost their lives and remind the family members left behind that we are there for them. Autauga County is a family, and they are a part of the Autauga County family.”

The second resolution honored those who selflessly gave in response to the January 12,2023 EF3 Tornado that impacted Autauga County, recognizing the significant lossof life and property damage throughout the county, and thanking the generosityof untold number of first responders, groups, individuals and businesses fromwithin Autauga County and outside of the community who offered their time, supplies,equipment and efforts. Also thanking elected officials throughout the State ofAlabama, including Governor Kay Ivey, Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth,Speaker Nathan Ledbetter, Senate Speaker Pro Tempore Greg Reed, Senator ClydeChambliss; Representatives Kelvin Lawrence, Van Smith and Jerry Starnes; US Senators Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville, and many others quickly and without reservation offered their help and provision for immediate and continue efforts in support of the people of Autauga County.

“Within minutes of the tornado passing, many first responders, including the city of Prattville and volunteers, were already on the ground offering aid to residentswho were in the path”, said Chairman Thompson. “Within the same timeframe, myphone was ringing with leaders from neighboring counties asking how they could help. They were offering equipment, manpower, supplies, water, meals, and so much more. It was amazing to see how in a time of tragedy, everyone came together tohelp our residents when Autauga County needed them the most. Although we can never repay them, the Commission wants to recognize the goodness of our peopleand their willingness to love and serve each other in both good times and in times of tragedy, which is part of what makes Autauga County a very special place to live, work, worship and raise a family.”