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A couple traveling to Covington County for Opp’s Rattlesnake Rodeo found some brightness in an otherwise miserable experience thanks to the kindness of others.

Jeff and Dana Travis of Ashland, Alabama were well on their way to Red Level where they were planning to visit with family and stay the weekend at Frank Jackson State Park to enjoy the activities. Late Friday afternoon, upon exiting I-65 at Georgiana, the couple had a tire blow out on their camper. Luckily for the couple, Andalusia Police Officer Grant Barton was on his way to work and saw what happened.

“It was pouring down rain and we weren’t even in Andalusia, but he still stopped and offered assistance. He helped us back up our trailer and kept the traffic off of me while I changed the tire. He didn’t think twice about stopping to help us. It definitely lowered my anxiety level,” Jeff Travis said.

Able to travel once again, the Travis’ made their way to Red Level and on Saturday morning made their way to Andalusia’s Roadmart Tire for the needed repairs to the camper’s tire.

“They were extremely busy, but knew our situation and that we were from out of town. They were able to get right on it and had us in and out in 30 minutes,” Jeff said. “The employees there were great. They even checked our spare and replaced a valve stem that had gone bad. They didn’t try to take advantage of the situation.”

With their transportation issues resolved, the couple traveled on to have a great weekend at the Rattlesnake Rode.

“We had never been to that event before and had a great time. It was very interesting,” he said.

But what the Travis’ will most remember most about their weekend in Covington County is the hospitality and kindness they experienced.

“If we ever find ourselves in that kind of situation again, we want it to be Andalusia. We really got to see firsthand the type of people who live there. They provided great comfort and peace of mind to me and my wife,” Jeff said.

Jeff contacted Andalusia Police Chief Paul Hudson to let him know how much he appreciated the assistance provided by Officer Barton.

“It goes to show that our officers are out there doing what we are trained to do and what we took an oath to do — protecting the public,” Hudson said.