Overton Sheriff’s Office Providing Training To Local Churches

The Overton County Sheriff’s Office will begin some free safety and security training for local churches next month.

The first class taking place Monday, April 9th a Wilson Elementary School.

“What this training will do is essentially give the congregations or the church leaders some information on how to put some safety plans or security plans in place while church services are going on,” Overton County Sheriff John Garrett said.

Garrett said he made the decision to provide the new training opportunity after violent incidents occurred at churches across the nation, including in Tennessee.

“It’s a shame that we as a society have to think about doing safety and security training for out church congregations,” Garrett said. “People shouldn’t have to worry about a mass shooting at a church while they are going to worship, but unfortunately it’s the reality of the day and time we are living in now.”

All training classes begin at 6:00 p.m. and churches that would like to attend are asked to send no more than five attendees. Churches from surrounding counties can also attend.

“We can also come out to a church in Overton County and do a sight assessment and maybe make some suggestions, as far as to what they can do to better secure their congregants,” Garrett said.

Other training classes will be taking place at the following locations

Rickman Elementary School-April 10th

Allons Elementary School-April 12th

Hillham Elementary School-April 16th

Joe L. Evins Community Center-April 17th & 19th