logo
Knoxville police hold memorial service for retired officers who died

Knoxville police hold memorial service for retired officers who died

Yahoo13-05-2025

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The Knoxville Police Department held their annual memorial service Monday to honor retired officers who had died the past year.
This service at the Public Safety Complex honored eight retired KPD officers who had passed away since last year's ceremony in May 2024. Their names are:
Investigator Carl Benjamin
Officer Phillip Garland, Jr.
Captain Kenneth Snyder
Investigator Terry Henry
Sergeant Holland Morrell
Sergeant Robert Ryan
Officer Gary Shoffner
Lieutenant Nathan Tinder
'We are fortunate, of course, that we didn't have a line-of-duty death here at the Knoxville Police Department last year, amazingly fortunate,' said KPD Communications Manager Scott Erland. 'But we always still want to recognize those folks who dedicated almost the entirety of the better part of their lives to doing this profession and to our community and to our department.'
Man convicted of killing woman in 2019 charged with assaulting another woman
The ceremony was part of National Police Week.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Remembering Minneapolis Police Officer Jamal Mitchell one year after his death in the line of duty
Remembering Minneapolis Police Officer Jamal Mitchell one year after his death in the line of duty

CBS News

time3 days ago

  • CBS News

Remembering Minneapolis Police Officer Jamal Mitchell one year after his death in the line of duty

It's been one year since Minneapolis police officer Jamal Mitchell was killed in the line of duty. Mitchell raced to help a man in the Whittier neighborhood, not knowing the armed man he approached had just killed two people. Mitchell was a son, brother, father, fiancé and friend. The 36-year-old had only been with MPD for a year and a half but the impact he made will last a lifetime. At an annual service of remembrance last week, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said, "Minneapolis police officer Jamal Mitchell dedicated his life to service. He was truly the definition of a hero." "In a pure act of selfless service, was taken from us by a violent act by the very person he was trying to help," Minneapolis police Chief Brian O'Hara said. The loss of officer Mitchell is still being felt in Minneapolis. "The weight of that loss is immense; the grief is deep," O'Hara said. With his fiancé and kids in attendance, Mitchell's sacrifice was honored in a special ceremony. "Today a banner bearing his name added to the Minneapolis Police Department flag joining the names of all the men and women who have died in the line of duty," O'Hara said. A similar scene to honor the fallen in took place in Washington, D.C. during National Police Week. His mom Janet Edwards was there, along with other family. "Very emotional to know that, you know, he was placed on the wall. I told everybody it was like a bittersweet moment for me," Edwards said. Edwards said Mitchell loved people. "And he loved his job. He loved what he was doing," Edwards said. At home they have their own memorial. "I felt like it was something that she can go to every morning. We know he's not here, but we can go to it to see him, and he's still shining in our heart," stepfather Dennis Edwards said. "He is missed, and he's missed throughout the whole family," Dennis Edwards said. They're proud of his courage and bravery. Only days on the job, Mitchell rescued an elderly couple from a house fire. Last year Mitchell was posthumously given the medal of honor and the purple heart. He was named 5th Precinct officer of the year. Last month, Minneapolis police honored those on scene for their courage and actions in the moments after Mitchell was shot, while remembering the fallen hero. "His actions as a man and how he lived his life, they're heroic. He was a role model. He's everything that we could ask for in a police officer," O'Hara said. O'Hara wears a metal band with his name on it. And carries Mitchell's duty weapon in honor of him. Others carry on his memory in their own ways. "There's other members of department here who were helping with youth activities with Jamal. That played basketball with him, off duty. Business owners and people from town who remember Jamal, you know, just coming in and just being a very positive, engaged role model for youth, and just honestly, you know, we could not have asked for better. And in life, he was a father," O'Hara said. A community, and department, indebted to their dad's service. "They they all have moments, you know, of difficulty and anguish. The main thing we want to make sure is that the family knows they will not be forgotten. He did what we asked him to do. And you know, the city owes, owes our gratitude to his family for their sacrifice," O'Hara said. Mitchell's mom plans to be in Connecticut Friday with some of his siblings. O'Hara will join Mitchell's family living in town for a private memorial, followed by time with officers who worked with him.

BCSO, THP partner to encourage and enforce safety on the Tail of the Dragon
BCSO, THP partner to encourage and enforce safety on the Tail of the Dragon

Yahoo

time3 days ago

  • Yahoo

BCSO, THP partner to encourage and enforce safety on the Tail of the Dragon

BLOUNT COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) —On Thursday, law enforcement leaders from the Tennessee highway Patrol (THP) and Blount County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) announced they are partnering together to emphasize and enforce safety for drivers and motorcyclists riding on the narrow windy roadway known as the Tail of the Dragon. This comes in response to a seasonal spike in crashes, 112 on this road total the past year, due to factors like speeding, unauthorized vehicles on the roadway, as well as distracted driving. Inspector finds off temperatures, no sanitizer at Chinese restaurant in Morristown The 11-mile stretch of US 129 runs between just south of Maryville to the North Carolina state line, where last year 112 crashes were reported, including five deaths and 40 injuries. Even though this year's riding season is just getting started, there have already been 35 crashes, and first responders are feeling the impact. 'Well, we do get tired of hauling people and dead bodies off the road. It really takes a toll on myself and all the deputies that are up here working. But they get tired of seeing it we would like to be able to put an end to it, but we want people to come and have fun, have a good time, but we want them to go home safe,' explained Randy Ailey a Lieutenant with the Traffic Safety Unit. With interstate damage from last year's storms, more tractor-trailers have been rerouted onto this winding road – another factor behind the rising numbers. 'I can 100% see how people will come in here with a little bit of attitude and caught that false sense of confidence and the dragon will slip it out from under you. It's the carpet. Just whew like if you don't respect it, it will show you why,' said Zsofi Balazs a motorcyclist who rode the Tail of the Dragon for the first time on Thursday. 'She's very special' East Tennessee veteran continues to serve others With more riders comes more risk. Local business owners, like Mandy Thomas owner of Dragon City, are calling for common sense on the curves. 'There's a lot of awesome roads here and the Dragon's just becoming more and more popular. So, more and more people are coming here. But with that, if everyone followed the posted speed limits, if you can stay within the lines and stay within your skill level and not try to overdrive it, you wouldn't see the accidents that are out there right now,' explained Thomas. Both officers and community members say increased patrols could make a difference, but it starts with each rider making smart choices. 'I want people to come up and enjoy themselves but try to remember that this isn't a racetrack. This is where people live. So, keep that in mind. Remember, 'Would I want someone to drive like this in front of my house?'' added Ailey. The BSCO announced that there will be more speed cameras installed, also grants from the Tennessee Highway Safety office will allow officers to concentrate specifically on the Dragon. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Five family members charged after Hamblen County business' property shot
Five family members charged after Hamblen County business' property shot

Yahoo

time3 days ago

  • Yahoo

Five family members charged after Hamblen County business' property shot

HAMBLEN COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) — Five family members, including two juveniles, are facing charges after detectives investigated a Hamblen County business' property being damaged by gunfire earlier this week. The Hamblen County Sheriff's Office said the family members, who live in Morristown, are facing charges stemming from the investigation. Woman arrested after crash, accused of kicking out Knoxville police car window 'Information we were able to obtain through a recently installed flock camera was essential in locating the vehicle involved,' Det. Lt. Jim Brooks stated. 'Once we located the vehicle, we had no problem determining the individuals who were involved.' The two juveniles suspected of causing the damage were charged reckless endangerment, vandalism, and unlawful possession of a firearm. As deputies apprehended the juveniles, three other family members were charged with Schedule VI violations, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and simple possession, the sheriff's office said. The sheriff's office said additional charges may be pending. Knox County mayor calls out apparent retaliation at juvenile detention center Brooks also thanked the Morristown Police Department, White Pine Police Department and Tennessee Highway Patrol for their assistance in the case. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store