Tennessee Highway Safety awards BCSO traffic safety
News, Press Release January 11, 2021
MARYVILLE, TENNESSEE – Blount County Sheriff James Lee Berrong is proud to announce the BCSO received a statewide award presented by the Tennessee Highway Safety Office for our 2019 Law Enforcement Challenge submission.
The BCSO placed third overall in the category of Tennessee law enforcement agencies with between 101 – 200 sworn officers. The judging was based on 2019 traffic safety initiatives and statistics that include agency strength in the areas of policies and guidelines on seatbelt usage, speed enforcement, and impaired driving; training of officers; public information and education in the areas of occupant protection, child safety seat initiatives, public awareness related to distracted driving, and other traffic initiatives; enforcement activity, and the effectiveness of efforts in all of the above areas.
The BCSO works closely throughout the year with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office, in conjunction with the National Highway Transportation Administration, by way of educational resources and grant funding to place additional deputies on our roadways during nights and on weekends to be on the look-out for drunk drivers. The BCSO also receives a grant to place more deputies on the area of U.S. Highway 129 known as the “Dragon” throughout the year to temper speeding and reckless driving on this dangerous 11.2 mile stretch of highway that includes 318 curves.
The BCSO participates in the Law Enforcement Challenge every year beginning in 2003, and we have consistently received state and national recognition and awards in the area of traffic safety.
This year, the first place award in the category of 101 – 200 officers went to Bartlett Police Department, followed by second place winner Sumner County Sheriff’s Office. The other local winner in the Law Enforcement Challenge was Maryville Police Department, who placed second in the category of agencies with between 46 – 75 sworn officers.
The awards were presented today at an outdoor informal meeting at the Sheriff’s Office Training Facility.
Pictured from L to R: Sgt. Rodney Postel, Blount County Sheriff’s Office; Derrick Woods, East Tennessee Law Enforcement Liaison, Tennessee Highway Safety Office; Chief Deputy Jeff French, Blount County Sheriff’s Office; Steve Dillard, Senior Law Enforcement Liaison, Tennessee Highway Safety Office.
BCSO deputy earns VFW law enforcement award
News, Press Release November 11, 2020
MARYVILLE, TENNESSEE – Blount County Sheriff James Lee Berrong is proud to announce the VFW Post 5154 in Louisville awarded BCSO Deputy Jerry Orr their Public Servant Award citation in the Law Enforcement category during a ceremony at the VFW Post on Hobbs Road in Louisville. Deputy Orr received the award today.
Deputy Orr has been employed by the Blount County Sheriff’s Office for 35 years, with the last 25 years assigned to the Fifth Judicial Drug Task Force. He is one of the longest standing Federal Task Force officers in the country. Most recently, Deputy Orr was recognized by the Tennessee Narcotics Association for his work as a Drug Task Force Officer.
The VFW presented the award during an event to raise money for the Infinite Warrior Foundation, whose mission is dedicated to improving the lives and bridging the gap of unmet needs and assistance to combat veterans who are physically and psychologically injured while serving our country.
The Blount County Sheriff’s Office is incredibly proud of Deputy Orr for his recognition and his long-standing commitment to keeping drugs out of Blount County.
Deputy Orr joins Deputy Craig Flanagin as an alumni of the VFW Public Servant Award Citation. Deputy Flanagin received the award in 2018.
Images courtesy of BCSO.
Sheriff’s office investigating human remains
News September 14, 2020
MARYVILLE, TENNESSEE – Blount County Sheriff James Lee Berrong said the Sheriff’s Office is investigating human remains that were found on private property late last week.
The remains were taken to Knox County Regional Forensic Center for analysis and positive identification. The remains, which appear to be of an adult male, were located on private property in the area of Mel Hall Road on September 3. Investigators and forensics experts believe the body has been buried for several years. The Sheriff’s Office took no missing person’s reports that coincide with the time period in which forensics experts believe the male was buried.
Experts with the Knox County Regional Forensic Center assisted investigators with the removal of the remains.
Investigators are asking for the public’s help with information that might lead to the identity of the male, and/or any other details that will determine what happened to him. If anyone has any information, please call Investigations during normal business hours at 865-273-5001. Individuals may also leave a message on the 24 hour anonymous Crime Hotline at 865-273-5200, or leave a tip on the Text-a-Tip link at www.bcso.com link Public Information.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
Deputies assist with Hurricane Laura relief
News September 14, 2020
MARYVILLE, TENNESSEE – On August 27, Hurricane Laura made a direct hit on Lake Charles, Louisiana as a Category 4 storm, wreaking havoc and causing major destruction in Calcasieu Parish as well as other areas of South Louisiana. Two Blount County deputies answered the call to assist with the relief effort.
For one of our deputies, it was personal. Cpl. Darin Gallow was born and raised in Lake Charles and he still has several family members, including his mother, who call Lake Charles home. A fellow Blount County deputy, Jason Murphy, also heeded the call to help. On September 1, the two deputies loaded up a trailer with items donated by fellow deputies, churches, and private citizens and made the trip south, spending several days assisting the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office with the clean-up and relief efforts.
“It was heartbreaking to see my family and my hometown trying to go on with life in the midst of the devastation,” Cpl. Gallow said. “We didn’t want to leave without fixing everything, but we had to come home to Tennessee and our families and jobs.”
As of today, clean-up efforts continue, and will continue for quite a while. It’s been two weeks since Hurricane Laura made landfall, and most of the area is still without electricity and non-potable water.
Sheriff James Lee Berrong is asking citizens to keep the victims of Hurricane Laura in your thoughts and prayers as they try to move on amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and other life’s challenges.
Images courtesy of Blount County Sheriff Office.
Knoxville man victim of fatal car crash in Blount County
News, Press Release July 30, 2020
MARYVILLE, TENNESSEE – Blount County Sheriff James Lee Berrong is sad to announce a Knoxville man was killed in a fatal car crash in Blount County Tuesday evening.
Aaron M. Christopher, 18, of Martin Mill Pike, Knoxville, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. A passenger in the vehicle, Gabriel A. Sisson, 17, of Rhea Road, Knoxville, was flown by Life Star to the University of Tennessee Medical Center. Sisson is listed in stable condition.
Deputies responded to the crash that occurred on Old Walland Highway near Melrose Station Road at 7:45 p.m. Aaron Christopher, the driver, was traveling northwest on Old Walland Highway in a 2002 Ford Explorer. As he crested a small hill that curved left, Aaron Christopher lost control of his vehicle. The vehicle left the roadway on the right side. Christopher overcorrected and the vehicle slid across the road, leaving the roadway on the left side. The vehicle struck a standing tree with the left side of the vehicle causing the vehicle to overturn and come to a rest on its top. Aaron Christopher was partially ejected, and the passenger, Gabriel Sisson was completely ejected from the vehicle through the windshield. Neither Aaron Christopher nor Gabriel Sisson were wearing seatbelts.
The Sheriff’s Office Traffic Safety Unit is continuing its investigation into the car crash.
Sheriff Berrong would like to extend his condolences to the family of Aaron Christopher for the loss of their loved one and wishes for a speedy recovery to Gabriel Sisson.
Louisville man charged in connection to death of infant son
News, Press Release July 2, 2020
MARYVILLE, TENNESSEE – Blount County Sheriff James Lee Berrong said an 18-year-old Louisville man was charged Thursday in the death of his infant son.
Corey Ryan Dillow, 18, Red Hill Drive, Louisville, is in custody in the Blount County Correctional Facility. Dillow is charged with criminal homicide and aggravated child abuse. He is being held on bonds totaling $1,250,000 pending a hearing in Blount County General Sessions Court at 1:30 p.m. July 6, 2020.
Sheriff’s deputies responded to Dillow’s residence on Red Hill Drive in Louisville Wednesday where they found the infant unresponsive. Deputies attempted CPR on the infant before AMR Ambulance Service arrived and transported
him to Children’s Hospital in Knoxville where he was pronounced dead.
Investigators are continuing their inquiry into the case. The image is courtesy of BCSO Facebook.
Sheriff’s Office awards several commendations
Community, Press Release July 23, 2020
MARYVILLE, TENNESSEE – Blount County Sheriff James Lee Berrong is proud to announce the Sheriff’s Office awarded three commendations to two deserving law enforcement officers and one heroic former law enforcement officer. The three commendations were awarded during a short ceremony at the Blount County Justice Center this morning.
Deputy Chief Jeff French awarded a Lifesaving Commendation to Blount County Sheriff’s Deputy Devan Teaster. On July 5, Deputy Teaster saved the life of Eric Spears following a car accident. Deputy Teaster saw that Spears’ arm was seriously injured. A few days prior, Deputy Teaster received TECC (Tactical Emergency Casualty Care) training and learned how to properly administer a tourniquet. Deputy Teaster saw that Mr. Spears’ arm was bleeding profusely and knew the bleeding had to be stopped. Deputy Teaster acted on his training and applied a tourniquet to Mr. Spears’ arms, stopping the bleeding. Though Mr. Spears’ ultimately lost his arm due to the severity of the injury, surgeons stated that Deputy Teasters’ quick and proper emergency care saved Mr. Spears’ life. Deputy Teaster has been employed with the Sheriff’s Office since 2015 is a School Resource Officer.
The family of Eric Spears, who was seriously injured in a car accident on July 5, were present this morning to thank Deputy Devan Teaster for saving the life of Eric Spears.
Sheriff Berrong also awarded a Law Enforcement Commendation and a Citizen Service Award to University of Tennessee Police Department Asst. Chief Sean Patterson and his wife Anaida Patterson, respectively. On June 28, the Patterson’s were visiting Blount County and traveling U.S. Highway 321 West near the Big Springs Road exit when they came upon a vehicle pulled to the side of the road and saw frantic activity within the vehicle. Asst. Chief Patterson and Anaida Patterson, who are both retired law enforcement officers from New York Police Department, knew something was wrong based on their training and experience. The Pattersons turned around and saw the baby’s mother outside the car holding an unconscious infant boy. The baby, Joseph, was choking on a piece of food.
The Pattersons immediately took control of the situation, and using their training and rendered first aid by delivering back blows which dislodged the food. Baby Joseph began breathing again, regained consciousness, and suffered no lasting effects from the incident.
Several co-workers, friends, and family members of the law enforcement officers and the grateful victims were in attendance at the ceremony.
The Sheriff’s Lifesaving Award is conferred upon a sworn or civilian employee who is directly responsible for saving a life.
Asst. Chief Patterson and his wife Anaida Patterson (pictured center) saved the life of Baby Joseph on June 28.
The Citizen Service Award may be conferred on any citizen who is not an employee of the Sheriff’s Office, and the act or achievement must be directly related to the overall law enforcement objectives of the Sheriff’s Office that may include extraordinary heroism or unselfish devotion to a fellow human being, or meritorious achievement in the performance of civic responsibility.
The Law Enforcement Commendation is awarded to a law enforcement officer from another agency who brings credit to themselves, their agency, and the Blount County Sheriff’s Office for an exceptional act clearly resulting in the saving of a life, or performing an act of valor that aids someone who is clearly in need, and who goes above and beyond for an individual, while the law enforcement officer is on or off duty and within the jurisdiction of Blount County.
The sheriff’s office recently awarded several other officers for their life-saving efforts, read about it here.
Deputies recognized for their lifesaving efforts
Community July 18, 2020
MARYVILLE, TENNESSEE – Several sheriff’s deputies were recognized for their lifesaving efforts and other deputies as employees of the month recently.
Deputy Rex Ogle received the honor of March Employee of the Month for intervening in a plot in March involving an unreported armed robbery that led to a group of individuals planning to do harm to the would-be robber. While on patrol on March 19, Deputy Ogle saw a vehicle with several people acting suspiciously and driving erratically. During the traffic stop, Deputy Ogle discovered a loaded weapon and a significant amount of cash, methamphetamine, and marijuana. He learned that one of the passengers had tossed another weapon from the vehicle and that the driver was being forced to drive to a secluded area and that the occupants were planning to harm the driver. Because of his proactive and reactive enforcement efforts, Deputy Ogle likely saved the driver from serious harm, and possibly saved his life. Deputy Ogle began his career at the Sheriff’s Office in January 2017 and serves as a patrolman.
Deputy Khalil Whitehead was awarded our April Employee of the Month for intercepting two burglary bandits during the overnight hours on March 31. While on patrol on Carpenters Grade road, Deputy Whitehead saw a vehicle pulling a utility trailer with two lawnmowers that were not tied down. Due to his training and experience, Deputy Whitehead believed the lawnmowers could be stolen. He attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle, but the driver accelerated into a neighborhood and drove through several yards before stopping at a retention pond. Both individuals in the vehicle fled on foot. Deputy Whitehead immediately caught one of the suspects. During his investigation, Deputy Whitehead found that the suspects had stolen the trailer, a riding lawn mower, and a push mower from three locations. He was able to return the stolen items to the owners, and the suspect was arrested on multiple charges. Deputy Whitehead began his career with BCSO in January 2018 and attended Class 017 of the Sheriff’s Regional Law Enforcement Training Academy. He is assigned to patrol.
Cpl. Chris Carter received the honor as our June Employee of the Month for talking an armed man out of committing suicide. The incident occurred on June 17. He and other deputies responded to the call of a man who was threatening suicide. Cpl. Carter was the first to arrive on scene and he encountered a man armed with a pistol on the front porch of the residence. The man stood up and refused to put down the pistol or comply as he walked into the backyard. Cpl. Carter remained calm and continued to try to get the man to relinquish the gun while talking o him empathetically and encouraging him that the situation was going to be alright. Cpl. Carter placed himself in harm’s way in proximity to the man so that he could hear him and continue to talk to him directly in an effort to peacefully resolve the situation. The circumstances, the man’s actions, including having both hands on the pistol, and action versus reaction principles could have easily ended badly. Fortunately, the man finally complied after 30 minutes and released the gun. The man was taken for an emergency mental health evaluation. Cpl. Carter has been employed with the Sheriff’s Office since 2014, and was promoted to corporal in 2016. Cpl. Carter serves with the patrol unit.
The Sheriff’s Office also awarded two Lifesaving Awards and a Citizen Service Award. Deputy Patrolman Kendyhl Rodgers was awarded a Lifesaving Award for helping to save the life of a man who was trapped inside a vehicle that had become submerged upside down in the water on the night of April 21. Deputy Rodgers, along with a citizen, Mr. Scott Snipp, entered the water and freed the victim. Their actions likely saved the victim’s life. Mr. Scott Snipp also received the Sheriff’s Citizen Service Award for his actions. Deputy Rodgers began his employment with the Sheriff’s Office in 2017, and is assigned to patrol.
Our other recipient of the Sheriff’s Lifesaving Award is Deputy Patrolman Tim Pace. On April 22, Deputy Pace assisted Maryville Police Department on a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Tuckaleechee Pike and East Lamar Alexander Parkway. Deputy Pace and Maryville Police Department Cpl. Elizabeth Riffle performed CPR on the victim until Maryville Fire Department and AMR Ambulance Service arrived. A paramedic with Maryville Fire Department said “The early actions taken by Deputy Pace and Cpl. Riffle likely facilitated a successful medical response providing critical, life-sustaining oxygenated blood throughout his cardiac system.” Had Deputy Pace and
Cpl. Riffle not intervened, it is likely the man’s prognosis would have been drastically different. Deputy Pace has been employed with the Sheriff’s Office since 2016 and is assigned to patrol.
Sheriff James Lee Berrong is proud of each of these deputies and of Mr. Scott Snipp for going above and beyond!
Images courtesy of BCSO.
Sheriff says goodbye to three retiring deputies
Community July 18, 2020
MARYVILLE, TENNESSEE – Blount County Sheriff James Lee Berrong and the deputies of the Blount County Sheriff’s Office are saying goodbye to three long-time deputies who are retiring or scheduled for retirement in the next few weeks.
The Sheriff’s Office honored and thanked Deputies John Douglas, P.K. Gregory, and Kim “Boo Boo” Roach at a lunchtime event today. Sheriff Berrong presented each deputy with an inscribed memory box and a State of Tennessee flag flown over the state capitol.
L to R: Sheriff Berrong and John Douglas
Deputy P.K. Gregory retired in April after serving the Sheriff’s Office and Blount County for 21 years. During her career at the Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Gregory served as a corrections officer, school resource officer, and most recently in court services.
Deputy John Douglas retired in June. Deputy Douglas served with the Sheriff’s Office for 22 years. He began his career with the Sheriff’s Office in adult corrections and retired after a long tenure in court services.
Deputy Kim “Boo Boo” Roach started her career with the Sheriff’s Office 16 years ago. She spent her career serving as a clerk in jail records and most recently as a clerk in court services.
Sheriff Berrong is grateful for the loyalty and dedication each of these deputies has given.
“We have been blessed with the service and dedication of these three deputies,” Sheriff Berrong said. “Each one of them has dedicated a good portion of their lives serving this agency and this community. I wish them only the best as they begin their well-deserved retirement.” Images of retiring deputies are courtesy of BCSO. PK Gregory pictured in featured image.
L to R: Sheriff Berrong and Kim Roach