Birmingham Police Officer Identified As Victim In Deadly Wreck

BIRMINGHAM, AL -- The victim in a fiery crash in Lipscomb last week has been identified as a veteran police officer. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday night identified the victim as 37-year-old Alfara Franklin, who had just transferred from the Fairfield Police Department to the Birmingham Police Department the day before his death.

The crash happened just after 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 1, in the 5600 block of Fifth Street North. Deputy Chief David Agee of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office said Franklin lost control of his vehicle, left the roadway, and hit a tree before the vehicle caught on fire. Franklin was burned beyond recognition.

Sgt. Johnny Williams of the Birmingham PD said Franklin transferred to the Birmingham Police Department with 15 years of law enforcement experience from the Fairfield Police Department. Franklin’s law enforcement career began with the Lipscomb Police Department before moving to the Brighton Police Department. Franklin later transferred to the Moody Police Department before relocating to the Midfield Police Department and eventually landing at the Fairfield Police Department.

Franklin was hired by the Birmingham PD in September of 2019 and began his lateral transfer training at the Birmingham Police Academy September 30.

Franklin was the father of four children.