Tennessee Homeland Security Honors Officers and First Responders

Friday, September 10, 2010 | 09:28am

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State Expresses Gratitude as Anniversary of 9/11 Draws Near
 
NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Department of Safety’s Office of Homeland Security today honored the commitment and sacrifice of 28 Tennessee law enforcement officers and first responders at a unique recognition ceremony held at the Old Supreme Court Chambers in the State Capitol.
 
“These individuals address the most immediate needs of citizens in times of crisis but are often the unsung heroes,” said Governor Phil Bredesen. “This important anniversary reminds us that everyday we should acknowledge the dedication of our first responders, emergency personnel, and all men and women who put themselves in harm’s way for the sake of our safety."
 
Law enforcement officers and first responders actively promote emergency preparedness within their communities by creating policy and procedures, training staff and volunteers or responding directly to an emergency. The 28 individuals honored at the First Responder Award ceremony were selected by officials within the state’s Homeland Security Districts and by the leadership of the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Those honored at the ceremony included:
  • Allen Kyker, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security District 1
  • George Jaynes, Mayor, Washington County, Homeland Security District 1
  • Lt. Ken Garner, Sevierville Police Department, Homeland Security District 2
  • David W. Purkey, Mayor, Hamblen County, Homeland Security District 2
  • Joshua Burchard, Chattanooga Fire Department, Homeland Security District 3
  • Officer Jonathan Parker, Chattanooga Police Department, Homeland Security District 3
  • Rebecca Emberton, Putnam County EMS Medical Director, Homeland Security District 4
  • Sullivan Smith, Cookeville Regional Hospital ER Director, Homeland Security District 4
  • Matthew Pylkas, Metro Nashville Police Department, Homeland Security District 5
  • Captain Mike Crum, Nashville Fire Department, Homeland Security District 5
  • Tony Metcalf, Fayettville City Police Department, Homeland Security District 6
  • Allen Lendely, Coffee County EMA, Homeland Security District 6
  • Captain Robert D. Hayes, Dickson County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security District 7
  • Chuck Walker, Ashland City Fire Department, Homeland Security District 7
  • Shelton Barnett, Lawrenceburg Fire Department, Homeland Security District 8
  • Byron Shelton, Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security District 8
  • Gail Wallace, Chief, Brazil Fire Department, Homeland Security District 9
  • Bryan Cathey, Gibson County Fire Department, Homeland Security District 9
  • Mark Ferguson, Madison County Fire Department, Homeland Security District 10
  • Michael K. Fielder, Hardin County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security District 10
  • Joshua A. Walker, Fayette County Fire Department, Homeland Security District 11
  • Ivette Monzon, Shelby County Mayor’s Office, Homeland Security District 11
  • TEMA Operations – Operations Chief, Hank Koebler, Jason Arbogast, Natasha Barr, Scot Fredrick, Richie Perdomo, Michael Rinehart, and Rick Williams
  • Officer Sammy Shaffer, Citizens Corps Volunteer, Knoxville Police Department
  • Captain Clyde Jackson, Citizens Corps Volunteer, Nashville Fire Department
  • Cheryl Yarbro, Citizens Corps Volunteer, Shelby County EMA
  • Trooper Steven Ballard, Tennessee Highway Patrol
  • Trooper Roderick Sharp, Tennessee Highway Patrol
“These 28 individuals represent the epitome of public service,” added Department of Safety Commissioner Dave Mitchell. “Their professional expertise, coupled with their unhesitating dedication, reflects the tireless efforts of Tennessee’s First Responder community.”
 
The ceremony is one of the Office of Homeland Security’s National Preparedness Month activities.   National Preparedness Month is a nationwide effort encouraging Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies. Critical to the preparedness process are the men and women who serve our state and citizens as first responders.
 
The Tennessee Department of Safety’s mission is (www.tennessee.gov/safety) to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.

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