DEMOPOLIS-While the City of York recovers from the loss of Police Chief Dion Nelson the cities of Livingston and Demopolis are lending a hand to help the department.

Demopolis Mayor Cecil P. Williamson said Demopolis would be sending law enforcement officers to York to help patrol the city.

“We are sending four police officers over there Saturday to patrol the city so all of their officers can go to the funeral,” Williamson said. “It is just our way of looking out for our fellow city.”

Demopolis Police Chief Jeff Manuel said they wanted to do whatever they could to help their fellow officers through this difficult time.

“We are going to send some officers over to patrol the town during the day that morning and afternoon until the services are done,” Manuel said. “We plan on sending four cars. We just want to do our part to help.”

Manuel said he knew Nelson well and was certain he would be missed.

“It is just a very tragic thing,” Manuel said. “He was a heck of a guy and I know he is really going to be missed. We are just trying to extend a helping hand.”

A tragic motor vehicle accident Saturday left the City of York mourning the loss of Public Safety Director Dion Nelson and neighboring cities offering assistance. In a statement released by York Mayor Carolyn Mitchell Gosa she said the city was devastated at the loss of Nelson both as a citizen and law enforcement officer.

“Please know the city has lost a key leader of our Police and Fire Department where Nelson served as Chief of both departments,” Gosa said. “He has been a dedicated, hard working, courageous and professional asset to the City of York since his employment on Sept. 22, 1998. The tragic loss will tremendously pose a great challenge for our city.”

Gosa said the city is asking for continued support and prayers for Nelson’s immediate family and his extended family.

The accident occurred over the weekend when storms hit according to Alabama State Trooper Cpl. Chris Ellis.

“The accident happened on Saturday Sept. 24 at about 1:20 p.m. one mile south of York on U.S. Highway 17,” Ellis said. “It was a two vehicle crash and is still under investigation.”

Ellis said the driver of the other car, Fay Bedwell, was also injured.