News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department has launched a program that will recognize staffers for their impactful work each quarter.
Sheriff Michael Brock told the Van Buren County Commission that staffers can be nominated by supervisors, peers, or citizens. He said nominations will be brought to a three-person committee that will select officers for special recognition. Deputy Cameron Clendenon was the first officer selected after he bravely pursued a vehicle in October that was later found to have several violent criminals and a human trafficking victim inside.
“You are to be commended for your attention to detail, maintaining your composure under duress, and your professionalism,” Brock said. “I believe you’re a true asset to the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department and to this county, and I appreciate you.”
Brock also presented a certificate to Deputy Brady Woodson for his exceptional work over the past quarter. He said Woodson apprehended a man who had been burglarizing vehicles and businesses in states as far away as Colorado before reaching Tennessee.
“This is something that I don’t put my two cents worth in,” Brock said. “I don’t write the letters, really. They come from peers, like I said, and their supervisors, and they’re handed to them and I let them make the decision.”
Brock said an anonymous group from the Van Buren County community also provided both winners with $50 gift cards as a token of their appreciation. Brock said the committee is made of people with vast knowledge and experience related to law enforcement, court proceedings, and service to the general public.
“Woodson’s actions on November 13, 2023, led to the arrest of a habitual burglar, the recovery of thousands of dollars in stolen items, numerous burglaries and thefts have been cleared, as well as illegal drugs that were seized,” Brock said.
