STANDING WATCH: The People Behind Lawrence County’s Safety

 

He got his start as a patrol deputy and served under five Sheriffs: Bruce Durham, ‘Chief’ William Dorning, Kenny Taylor, Jimmy Brown, and John Myers. Few people in the department have seen as many changes. In fact, some believe he holds the record for continuous years of service in the Sheriff’s Department.

 

Thanks to raises approved by the Commission that provide living wages for deputies and corrections officers, we might see more Lt. Washburns in the future. The department is fully staffed right now, and that hasn’t happened often. Turnover was challenging, and expensive: Employees left for better pay at other law enforcement agencies, sometimes very soon after Lawrence County paid for their training at the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy (TLETA).

 

Sheriff John Myers currently has 43 jail officers and 50 POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) Certified deputies. Two more officers are currently in training at TLETA, and three others are lined up to go afterward. Individuals cannot apply to attend the Academy. Only officers sponsored by a law enforcement agency, or fourth-year criminal justice majors sponsored by the chair of their college department, can attend.

 

Additional training and experience is required to serve with the department’s Criminal Investigation Division, as administrators, School Resource Officers, training officers, or with Courtroom Security. In the new budget year, we hope to see another division added to the Sheriff’s Department: Animal Control.

 

The City of Lawrenceburg and Lawrence County have been financial partners in operation of the local animal shelter for a couple of years, but the city has been in charge of operations. A proposal is before the Commission that would put operation under Sheriff Myers’ leadership.

 

The City and County would still share existing costs equally. Dogs from Lawrenceburg and the county would still be housed there, but there’s no doubt county dogs would make up the majority, as they have since the partnership began.

 

The Sheriff would hire a trained Animal Control Officer and outfit a vehicle to transport dogs. Today, deputies who are not specifically trained or equipped for animal control must leave other duties to attend to dog-related calls. The City employs an inmate at the Shelter, but since Lawrence County provides inmates’ room and board, we are not required to pay them to work outside the jail. Inmate labor could accomplish a lot at the Shelter and save money on operations.

 

As we celebrate the retirement of Lt. Washburn and look ahead to the future of the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department, I want to take a moment to thank all our law enforcement officers. Their tireless commitment, bravery, and daily sacrifices are the foundation of our community’s safety and peace of mind. We owe them far more than just our gratitude—we owe them our support.

 

It has been one of the greatest honors of my time as County Executive to work alongside Sheriff John Myers. His steady leadership, integrity, and care for both his deputies and the citizens of Lawrence County have earned widespread respect. If I am fortunate enough to be re-elected, I look forward to another term of working closely with Sheriff Myers to build on the progress we’ve made.

 

Public safety was a cornerstone of my campaign when I first ran, and it will remain one of my top priorities moving forward. Because at the end of the day, nothing matters more than knowing that our families, neighborhoods, and schools are protected by the very best.

 

To every deputy, officer, and law enforcement staff member: thank you for standing watch. Your service does not go unnoticed—and it will never go unappreciated.