2017 Annual Report

2017 IN REVIEW
Sheriff James
Lee Berrong and
Mayor
Ed Mitchell talk to
the new EMRs. The
program launched in
October.
The first group of
EMR-certified
Deputies received
their medical bags
and are equipped to
provide life-saving
assistance to citizens.
Sheriff’s Office Launches
Emergency Medical
Responder Program
The Sheriff’s Office formally launched a pilot Emergency Medical
Responder (EMR) program in October.
This groundbreaking program is a one-of-a-kind
program in Tennessee. EMR certified deputies are equipped with
additional life-saving skills and equipment, and they are able to get
information more quickly when it comes to life-and-death
emergencies. Ten deputies who expressed interest in the certification
were selected to take part in the initial program. They undertook a 60
hour certification course taught through AMR ambulance service, and
then passed a national test before receiving certification.
Sheriff James Lee Berrong and Blount County Mayor Ed Mitchell
saw a way to enhance medical services in Blount County. Often,
Sheriff’s deputies are the first to arrive on a scene. Now they are able
to provide some medical services to improve emergency medical care
in the county and provide a faster time to start life-saving procedures
for citizens. The deputies are spread among the three patrol shifts,
and they receive an additional $4,000 per year. The Sheriff’s Office
plans to add 10 additional deputies as EMRs each year.
28
Deputy Hal
Weeden and
Deputy Kevin
Pineda
demonstrate
the capabilities
of the UAS
systems.
Sheriff’s Office Implements
small Unmanned Aerial System
Program
The BCSO took another step into the future in 2017 with the
implementation of an small Unmanned Aerial System (sUAS)
program.
Two deputies received certification to operate the systems. The
larger of the portable systems is equipped with FLIR (Forward
Looking Infrared Radiometer), a thermal imaging camera that can be
used to locate individuals in low light environments. The BCSO
utilizes the
systems in
search and
rescue
operations,
accident and
crime scene
investigations,
perimeter
security, active
pursuit support,
and support
and coordination
with other first responder agencies.
K-9 Unit Expands to Corrections
The Sheriff’s Office deployed its first K-9 in
the corrections facility in 2017. K-9 Luna,
a German Shorthair Pointer, is assigned to
Deputy Skip Kindig. K-9 Luna specializes in
searches for tobacco and other contraband in
the corrections facility.
Maryville residents Bob and Eunice Hansen
contributed the funds for the purchase of Luna.
The Hansens are long-time supporters of law
enforcement, and are very fond of the K-9
unit.We cannot thank them enough for their
support!
Deputy Skip Kindig & K-9 Luna