Putnam Police Offers Free Rides For Intoxicated New Year’s Residents

If you’re planning to celebrate New Years Eve, you could get a ride in a police car.

The Cookeville Police Department (CPD) and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) will offer free safe rides home to Putnam county residents between 10 p.m. Dec. 31 and 2 a.m. Jan. 1.

Sheriff Eddie Farris said this is to help cut down on automobile accidents and DUI arrests.

“Our goal is to make sure that people get home safely,” Sherrif Farris said. “We want to remind everyone that driving under the influence of alcohol or any kind of drugs is illegal and can have devastating consequences to all involved.”

To receive a ride, call the Police Department or Sheriff’s Office and let the dispatcher know you need a sober ride home. They will ask for your name, current location, and address of your home and send an officer or deputy to your location.

Chief Randy Evans said it’s important to make the safest decision during the holidays.

“We want everyone to have an enjoyable and safe holiday,” Chief Evans said. “So, we encourage anyone that needs a sober ride to please call us. It might prevent a needless tragedy. Don’t put your life or other people’s lives in danger.”

The department suggested planning ahead and putting the necessary phone numbers in your phone. It could take some time for a patrol unit to arrive at your location since they will simultaneously be working regular calls for assistance.

Putnam County Sheriff’s Major Jim Eldridge said they will only take you home and nowhere else, but still advises caution.

“If someone has had too much to drink and doesn’t feel safe to drive, we’ll go pick them up-no questions asked,” Major Eldridge said.

Call the CPD at 931-526-2125 or the PCSO at 931-528-8484 for their services.