April 24, 2023
By: Dwayne Page
The DeKalb County Commission Monday night again took time to honor the life of a US Marine from Smithville who was killed in a 2021 California traffic accident.
Last month the county commission adopted a resolution in tribute to 20-year-old Lance Cpl. Alberto Lucio and even though members of his family attended the meeting, a framed copy of the formal resolution had not been ready to present to them. Lucio’s father, mother and sister again attended Monday night’s county commission meeting for the reading of the resolution in English and Spanish and the presentation of it to them.
Lucio, a 2019 graduate of DeKalb County High School, was struck and killed Monday, December 6, 2021 while he assisted a driver and passenger in a disabled SUV from another crash on Interstate 5 near where he was stationed at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, California. According to the California Highway Patrol, a box truck crashed into Lucio and the disabled SUV. Lucio died at the scene.
Lucio was a member of the Security and Emergency Services Battalion at Camp Pendleton. His military awards included the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Medal. In a statement after the crash, battalion commanding officer Col. John Black said Lucio “performed a noble and selfless act” when he stopped to provide “critical aid to a person in need.”
“Lance Cpl. Lucio gave his life in the service of others. His actions epitomized servant leadership and personified the very best in our emergency services personnel,” Black said. “Please honor Lance Cpl. Lucio’s memory through your actions, words and deeds.”
The Resolution to Honor the Life of Lance Corporal Alberto Lucio states as follows:
“Whereas, the DeKalb County Commission brings time to honor the life of Alberto Lucio,
Whereas, Alberto Lucio was born on May 28, 2001 in Smithville, Tennessee,
Whereas, Lucio was a graduate of DeKalb County High School in 2019,
Whereas, Lucio was a member of the Iglesia Bethel Church,
Whereas, Lucio joined the United States Marine Corps on September 9th, 2019,
Whereas, Lucio graduated from the Parris Island, South Carolina Boot Camp,
Whereas, Lucio was assigned to the 2nd platoon, military police company, where he was promoted to the position of Lance Corporal in 2020,
Whereas, Lucio was charged with the duties of maintaining the well-being and safety of Camp Pendleton’s marines and civilians,
Whereas, Lucio received the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal,
Whereas, Lucio passed away on December 6, 2021 while attempting to assist a bystander that had a motor vehicle accident,
Whereas, Lucio gave his life in the service of others with actions of true hospitality and servant leadership,
Whereas, Lucio leaves behind his beloved wife, Stephany Lucio, His father and mother, Jose and Nereyda Lucio
Be it resolved by the DeKalb County Commission that we honor the memory of Alberto Lucio, reflecting fondly upon his impeccable character and his stalwart commitment to living the examined life with courage and conviction.
Be it further resolved that we express our sympathy and offer our condolences to the family of Alberto Lucio”
In other business, four members of the DeKalb County Beer Board were reappointed to new two-year terms.
Current members of the Beer Board are Jim Stagi in the 1st District, Myron Rhody in the 2nd District, Bobby Johnson in the 3rd District, Robert Rowe in the 4th District, John Hummer in the 5th District, Leonard Dickens in the 6th District, and Johnny King in the 7th District.
All seven members serve as appointees and the two-year terms are staggered with the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th district positions being appointed in odd years. The 2nd, 4th, and 6th district seats are filled in even years.
Stagi, Johnson, Hummer, and King were all up for reappointment this year.