Tag Archives: First Responders

Cookeville Police and First Responders are being trained to improve the outcomes of encounters with people suffering from behavioral health issues. Sergeant Mike Herrick said during the 40-hour training, community resources like Volunteer Behavioral Health and UCHRA educate officers on the help available. Herrick said many of the people the police force deals with regularly struggle with mental health issues. ... Read More »

UCHRA will equip Public Transportation drivers with naloxone nasal spray, an overdose-prevention medication. Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist Justin Cantrell said making the life-saving medication available will lighten the workload for law enforcement and first responders. He said he hopes this makes a dent in overdose rates, the leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of 18 and 49. ... Read More »

Fentress County officials looking to put a stop to the growing crime of people stealing street signs and the dangers associated with the crime. Fentress County Highway Superintendent Ryan Reed said his department installed 13 stop signs in one community last week. Within days, three were already gone. Reed said a major accident caused by a missing stop sign is ... Read More »

Putnam County will provide families of First Responders who die while on duty the chance to remain on the county’s health insurance for up to two years. Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris said this idea began as a law enforcement bill in the state legislature. Farris said in 2021, the Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association partnered with other emergency services, and the ... Read More »

I AM Worship Church will honor first responders with gifts, food, and fellowship at a Wednesday night event. Pastor Mark Ogletree came up with the idea for this event two years ago. “It’s a very dangerous job and there’s a lot of trauma and tragedy,” Ogletree said. “Most of us are not tasked with that job. For those brave men ... Read More »

White County appointed a new EMA Director Monday night, a newly created, paid position. This is a part-time position with Sparta Firefighter Matt McBride being selected. McBride said this is the type of position a responder works to achieve during their career. “I think it’s fun, it’s fun and I like to help people, I think this county has a ... Read More »

DeKalb County and Smithville are joining together Thursday to remember those fallen on September 11. Smithville Fire Chief Charlie Parker said 20 years later, many cannot remember the events of that day. Parker said that makes events like this meaningful, to recall a moment that rallied a nation to band together. “That brought the first responders to the forethought of ... Read More »

Cumberland County’s budget includes an increase in employee pay across the board to stay competitive in the region. Mayor Allen Foster said a six percent raise is included and certified sheriff’s deputy pay is up to $39,000. Foster said residents deserve a county willing to compete for the best candidates in all positions. “We’re like everywhere else, we’ve lost employees ... Read More »

Putnam County’s new 911 system has sped up the process for connecting callers to responders. 911 Director Penny Foister said it has been a smooth transition over the last three months, with only a few speed bumps. Foister said the biggest benefit is they can now connect callers to responders who used to be more difficult to reach. “This is ... Read More »

Emergency Services Appreciation Day in White County will give the community the chance to build relationships Friday. The July 30 event is being put on by American Legion Post 99 and the White County Anti-Drug Coalition. Post Commander Ron Lapierre said agencies from the local rescue squad to overdose prevention specialists will be in attendance at White County Middle School. ... Read More »