Tennessee Homeland Security Honors Officers and First Responders

Thursday, September 11, 2008 | 07:57am

NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Department of Safety’s (TDOS) Office of Homeland Security today honored the commitment and sacrifice of 25 Tennessee law enforcement officers and first responders, as well as members from three organizations, at a unique recognition ceremony held at the Old Supreme Court Chambers in the State Capitol. 

“Tennessee’s law enforcement officers and first responders have selflessly and without hesitation put the lives of hundreds of thousands of Tennesseans before their own,” said Department of Safety Commissioner Dave Mitchell.  “On this seventh anniversary of 9/11, I am honored to recognize the courageous spirit and heroic efforts of all of Tennessee’s first responders. The daily sacrifices they make to keep the citizens of Tennessee safe are worthy of recognition.”

Law enforcement and first responders actively promote emergency preparedness within their communities on a daily basis.  Whether by responding directly to an emergency, creating policy and procedures or training staff and volunteers, Tennessee’s state and local police, firefighters, emergency medical personnel and emergency management officials work daily to ensure the safety and security of the state. 

The 25 first responders 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 are:

  • Mark Foulks, Chief, Greeneville Fire Department, Homeland Security District 1
  • Brian Rice, Lieutenant, Johnson City Police Department, Homeland Security District 1
  • Ed Cate, Executive Director, Knoxville Volunteer Emergency Rescue Squad, Homeland Security District 2
  • Captain Chris Wisecarver, Morristown Police Department, Homeland Security District 2
  • Sergeant Mark King, Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, Homeland Security District 3
  • Bill Tittle, Chief of Emergency Management, Hamilton County, Homeland Security District 3
  • Roy Gore, EMT, Overton County Ambulance Service, Homeland Security District 4
  • Brandon Smith, Putnam County Emergency Medical Services, Homeland Security District 4
  • Todd Boyce, CERT Instructor, Homeland Security District 5
  • Ron Ream, CERT Instructor, Homeland Security District 5
  • Rod Ballard, Assistant Chief, Manchester Fire & Rescue, Homeland Security District 6
  • Michael Clements, Bedford County EMS, Homeland Security District 6
  • Steve Jones, Montgomery County EMA, Homeland Security District 7
  • Chief Deputy Edgar F. Patterson, Montgomery Co. Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security District 7
  • Roy Griggs, Director, Giles County Ambulance Service, Homeland Security District 8
  • Barry Whitt, Director, Giles County Office of Emergency Management, Homeland Security District 8
  • Deputy Gary Eddings, Weakley County Sheriff's Office, Homeland Security District 9
  • Jerrel Reasons (Posthumously), Director, Crockett County Emergency Management Agency, Homeland Security District 9
  • Lieutenant Edmund C. Cepparulo (Ret), Jackson Police Department, Homeland Security District 10
  • Michael H. Stanford, Henderson Co. EMA/Assistant Fire Chief, Homeland Security District 10
  • Lieutenant James McCaskey, Bartlett Fire Department, Homeland Security District 11
  • Sergeant Kenneth Shackleford, Memphis Police Department, Homeland Security District 11/UASI
  • Trooper Greg Roberts, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Knoxville District 1
  • Trooper William Todd Gregory, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Nashville District 3
  • Sergeant Larry Lewis, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security Liaison

Also honored during the ceremony were members of three very important organizations for their collective efforts to contribute to the safety of the state.  The eight Tennessee Highway Patrol Law Enforcement Strike Teams were recognized, along with members of the Tennessee National Guard and Tennessee Emergency Management Agency’s three regions.

“Tennesseans all across the state have benefitted from the brave and skillful actions of these law enforcement officers and first responders,” added Mitchell.  “Some folks may not notice the contributions they make on a daily basis, but their commitment to the safety of our state is a top priority.”

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.

A separate list of the recipients and their backgrounds are attached.

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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