On this International Overdose Awareness Day, August 31, Tennessee pauses to remember the neighbors we have lost to overdose deaths, lift up the families touched by tragedy, and celebrate the brave men and women who have survived overdose and are living examples of recovery.

NASHVILLE – The Board of Parole (BOP), Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC), Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and Tennessee Rehabilitative Initiative in Correction (TRICOR) are hosting a dove release ceremony to honor crime victims and recognize victim advocates during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), April 23-29. The sponsoring agencies will hold the event in Chattanooga at 11 a.m. EDT (10 a.m. CDT) on Friday, April 28 at the Walker Pavilion in Coolidge Park (120 River Street, Chattanooga, TN 37405). As a ceremonial tribute, doves will be released at the conclusion of the event.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced he will appoint David Rausch to serve a second term as Director of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), effective July 1. Director Rausch’s term will expire June 30, 2028.

Two dozen Tennessee law enforcement officers have become the newest graduates of the TBI State Academy, built as a professional and specialized training ground for public safety professionals who want to expand their education and training in the criminal justice field.

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today announced a $2,500 reward for information leading to the apprehension, arrest and conviction of Kirby Gene Wallace, doubling the $2,500 reward already offered by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Wallace is wanted for first degree murder, felony murder, aggravated arson, especially aggravated kidnapping, especially aggravated robbery, especially aggravated burglary, and theft of property. Wallace is currently at large and is believed to be in the Stewart and Montgomery County area.

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today announced the appointment of David B. Rausch as director of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI). Rausch, 55, has served as chief of police for the Knoxville Police Department (KPD) since 2011, overseeing an agency of more than 500 employees, including some 400 sworn police officers. Rausch joined the KPD in 1993 and rose through the ranks, serving in several different roles, including as deputy chief and a member of the special operations squad. Throughout his 25 years with the KPD, Rausch has focused on community policing and building relationships with local, state and federal agencies.

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today announced a $2,500 reward for information leading to the apprehension, arrest and conviction of Steven Wiggins, the suspect wanted for the homicide of Dickson County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Daniel Baker on Wednesday. Sgt. Baker was found dead inside his vehicle around 7 a.m. Wednesday on Sam Vineyard Road in Dickson County after responding to a report of a suspicious vehicle. Baker, 32, was a former Marine and served as a Dickson County Sheriff’s deputy since 2008.

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam will hold budget hearings for Fiscal Year 2018-2019 on Monday, November 6 through Thursday, November 9. The hearings will be held in the Executive Conference Room on the ground floor of the State Capitol. Haslam, Finance and Administration Commissioner Larry Martin, Chief Operating Officer Greg Adams and David Thurman, state budget director, will preside over the hearings.

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to the apprehension, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the murder of Anita J. Rieben on or about February 17, 2016. “We want whoever is responsible for this crime to be brought to justice,” Haslam said. “We ask anyone with any knowledge of the case to come forward.”