KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON

Once a month, Chattanooga’s

police chief and I meet with the

district attorney general for a

short of informal discussion of

issues relating to law enforce-

ment and prosecution in the

City of Chattanooga and Hamil-

ton County. Sometimes our dis-

cussions are centered around

specific issues like gangs and

drugs, while at other times we

might discuss the legislative ac-

tions being considered in Nash-

ville or federal legislation.

We often discuss various topics

surrounding the condition of

the criminal justice system as a

whole and what each of us

would like to see accomplished

in order to better protect the cit-

izens of Hamilton County.

At this month’s regularly sched-

uled meeting, I happened to no-

tice a framed picture on the of-

fice wall of the attorney general.

At the top of the picture was a

British Crown with the following

words written on it:

“KEEP CALM AND CARRY

ON!”

Since that day, I have thought a

great deal about those simple

yet profound words, and they

keep coming back to me. I be-

lieve that might be due to re-

calling the especially tough year

we have been through here at

HCSO. That included severe

budget constraints, loss of

friends and family, political op-

position and in my own case,

and maybe yours, some “bad

press.”

Keeping calm in times of adver-

sity is a good character trait in

leadership, because calmness

under pressure shows the abil-

ity to lead and handle adversity.

In law enforcement we always

stress that one of the first du-

ties every officer has after

Sheriff, Pages 1-2

Your Personal Finances,

Page 2

Police Technology,

Page 3

Your Good Health,

Page 4

Chaplain’s Corner,

Page 5

Explorer Post #2070,

Page 6

Commendations,

Pages 7 - 10

Corrections Communi-

qué, Page 11

Personnel Spotlight,

Pages 12 - 13

Letters, Page 14

The Roll Call History,

Pages 15 - 16

Birthdays,

Page 17

HAMILTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE, TN—July 31st, 2012

Executive Editor, G. A. Bennett.

Associate Editor / Pub-lisher, John E. Waters.

Contributors: Janice Atkinson, Lenda Clark, Donald Klasing,

George Jackson and Morty Lloyd.

Continued next page

2 The Roll Call, July 31st, 2012

Nine Biblical Money Man-

agement Principles That

Will Change Your Life.

Turning Point Ministries

By Dr. David Jeremiah

The Roll Call is publishing

one of Dr. Jeremiah’s nine

principles every month.

1. From May, 2012 - The

Desire Principle:

Desire God above all

else and don’t try to

serve two masters!

Review Matthew 6:21,

24 and 1 Chronicles

29:11-12.

2. From June, 2012 - The

Discernment Princi-

ple: Learn the princi

ples of contentment

and honesty. Review

Proverbs 30:7-9.

3. For July, 2012 -The

Discussion Principle:

Listen to wise

counsel; do not act

impulsively or fool-

ishly.

Read Proverbs 19:20 and

11:14, “Listen to counsel

and accept discipline,

that you may be wise the

rest of your days.”

“Where there is no guid-

ance the people fall, But

in abundance of counse-

lors there is victory.”

Watch for Principle #4 next

month!

A truism worthy of note: Do not fear the enemy,

for they can take only your life.

Fear the unprincipled ones with personal agendas!

For they will seek to distort what is real and try to destroy your honor.

They will take liberties with your good name!

arriving on the scene is to

create an air of calmness in

what is sometimes chaotic.

Then there is the ability to

carry on. I have always ad-

mired the British for their

determination to keep their

composure in the presence of

adversity and tough times.

Leave it to our British cous-

ins to “keep a stiff upper lip,”

as they say, and carry on the

mission as usual. I believe it

has served them well. Yes, it

is a simple charge, but it is

one from which we can all

learn and benefit as well.

Let us “KEEP CALM AND

CARRY ON” no matter what

the adversity is around us.

, Sheriff

The Roll Call, July 31st, 2012 3

Forensic researchers at Flori-

da International University

have developed a ground-

breaking method that can tie

a shooter to the ammunition

used to commit a crime, giv-

ing law enforcement agencies

a new tool to solve cases.

Through research funded by

the National Institute of Jus-

tice and recently published

in the Journal of Forensic Sci-

ences, chemistry professor,

Bruce McCord, and doctoral

candidate, Jennifer Greaux,

discovered a new technique

that identifies the chemical

signature of the powder in-

side a bullet. This unique

process can potentially link a

suspect to the ammunition

fired even if the weapon is

not found.

The discovery comes at a

time when the conventional

method of analyzing gunshot

residue is in danger of be-

coming less reliable, as

weapon manufacturers re-

move lead — one of the three

principle elements analyzed

today — from their ammuni-

tion.

“Crime labs all over the

country are faced with the

reality that their only way to

analyze whether a gun was

fired by a suspect may be-

come obso-

lete,” said

McCord, a for-

mer forensic

analyst for the

FBI. “Our dis-

covery is not

only more ac-

curate, but it

can deter-

mine the

type of gun-

powder used in a crime

even if the gun is never re-

covered.”

Currently, crime labs test the

gunshot residue collected

from a suspect’s hands and

clothes for three elements,

barium, lead and antimony.

If that residue tests positive

for all three and the particles

have the correct shape, de-

tectives conclude that their

suspect either fired a weap-

on, held a weapon that had

been recently fired or was

near a weapon that was

fired.

But doubt remains — and if

a weapon is never recovered

from the scene, detectives

have no way of using the res-

idue to tie the ammunition to

a suspect. McCord and

Greaux’s discovery changes

all that.

Instead of testing for just

three elements, the scientists

focus on the smokeless pow-

der that is found inside bul-

lets to determine their chem-

ical composition. Since each

manufacturer has its own

specific “recipe” for their

smokeless powder, the pro-

cess in essence defines the

type of residue left behind.

“It’s easy to commit a crime,”

said J. Graham Rankin, a

professor of forensic science

at Marshall University and

fellow at the American Acad-

emy of Forensic Science.

“This type of research is

making it harder to get away

with it.”

Source: Florida International

University and

New Forensic Method Could Help Police Solve Crimes - June 05, 2012

Magazine

Submitted by Captain Lenda Clark

Submitted by

Donald Klasing

4 The Roll Call, July 31st, 2012

The Roll Call, July 31st, 2012 5

Those Who Perish

The story is told of an inn-

keeper from Kansas in the

1940s who helped wayward

motorists. This innkeeper

was located on a two-lane

highway in the wide-open

plains of Kansas. His motel

always kept the "vacancy"

sign lit for those who were

tired and wanted to stop for

the night. His inn was the

only one on this deserted

stretch of highway for 100

miles. It was a matter of rest-

ing there or not resting at all.

During the winter months,

the snowstorms in that area

were fierce. The cold Ca-

nadian winds would

meet with the moisture

coming over the Rockies

and produce several feet

of snow in a short

amount of time. Seeing

the bad weather coming,

the innkeeper would post

signs in the front of his

motel urging people to

stop. Many dismissed the

signs as a business owner

seeking to profit from winter

weather or perhaps an old

man over-reacting.

But, the white-out and bliz-

zard conditions were more

than they bargained for.

Those who ignored the signs

were later found out of gas

and frozen to death many

miles away in their automo-

biles.

The kingdom of God is like

this story. God offers every-

one a place to rest. He says,

"Come to me you who are

weak and heavy laden and

I will give you rest."

God sees the storms of life

coming. He knows their dev-

astating effects and how fatal

they can be.

He too knows we will run out

of gas and perish. He puts

out warning signs. He sent

his Son to show us the way

to safety. He even sends out

his disciples to warn people

and give them a roadmap to

safety (the Bible), but most

ignore Him. "The Lord is

not slow in keeping his

promise, as some under-

stand slowness. He is pa-

tient with you, not want-

ing anyone to perish, but

everyone to come to repent-

ance." 2 Peter 3:9

God Bless!

Chaplain Morty Lloyd

6 The Roll Call, July 31st, 2012

July 7th, 2012

The Sheriff’s Office Explorer

Post #2070 is pleased to an-

nounce the promotion of two

explorers to explorer supervi-

sors. These explorers, who

were chosen by the advisory

staff, will serve as direct line

supervisors to the other post

members.

Explorer Brian Smith, who

previously served as the

post’s sergeant, was promot-

ed to Explorer Lieutenant.

Brian is a 2012 graduate of

Lookout Valley High School.

Brian has served the Explor-

er Post with distinction for

four years. On June 22,

2010, Brian was awarded a

Challenge Coin by Sheriff

Hammond for his efforts to

establish a neighborhood

watch program in his own

neighborhood.

Explorer Ben Harvey was se-

lected as the Explorer Post

Sergeant. Ben is currently a

student at Sequoyah High

School. Ben has served the

Explorer Post with distinc-

tion for three years. In Feb-

ruary of this year, Ben par-

ticipated in the Tactical

Physical Fitness challenge at

the Winterfest Explorer com-

petition in Gatlinburg. There

were over 70 other Explorers

who participated in this diffi-

cult and challenging compe-

tition, and he received a third

place trophy.

The supervisory program is

based on the rank and com-

mand structure in place here

at the Sheriff’s Office. The

promotion was presented at

the Explorer Meeting on July

6, 2011.

The Advisory staff of the Ex-

plorer post recognizes the

leadership qualities of these

fine young men, and wishes

to congratulate them for their

hard work and dedication to

the Explorer Post and to the

Sheriff’s Office.

Eddie Sledge

Explorer Post Advisor

Brian Smith receiving his lieuten-ant's bars from Malik Moughrabi,

Explorer Captain

Ben Harvey receiving his sergeant's stripes from his father,

Sergeant Chris Harvey

Promotions - HCSO Explorer Post #2070

Explorer Sergeant Ben Harvey, Explorer Lieutenant Brian Smith

QUESTION: Where was the first Hamil-

ton County, TN, courthouse located?

Hint - It not only served as the first court-

house and the county seat. It also served

as a way station for the Trail of Tears and

as a hospital during the Civil War.

Answer on last page

Recreation of first courthouse

being constructed

Hamilton County Sheriff’s Of-

fice Presents this Certificate

of Commendation To Charles

H. Albright, P.E., Mesa Associ-

ates, Inc.

This award is given for your

strong support of the sheriff’s

office, especially during our

2012 Police Week. Your allow-

ing us to set up and use our blue laser light

on your building has added a new dimension

to the events surrounding Police Week in

Hamilton County.

Your support for our agency will be long re-

membered for making it possible to add the

“Thin Blue Line” to our Law Enforcement Me-

morial ceremony honoring those have paid the

ultimate price keeping our community safe.

Presented June 26, 2012

The Roll Call, July 31st, 2012 7

8 The Roll Call, July 31st, 2012

Pictured right are Captain John

Swope and the Sheriff along with

Sergeant Robert Harvey.

On April 7, 2012, Sergeant Harvey

was instrumental in saving the life of

inmate Adam Tomlinson. Inmate

Tomlinson had apparently overdosed

prior to coming to jail and was going into pul-

monary arrest in the holding cell. Sergeant

Harvey took immediate action, administering

a sternum rub and assessing vitals. Harvey

assisted medical personnel upon their arrival

and they were able to improve the inmates vi-

tals marginally by the time EMS arrived. In-

mate Tomlinson was then transported to Er-

langer Hospital for more advanced treatment

and then returned to the jail.

The quick action and leadership of Sergeant

Harvey in his duty performance resulted in

the vital assistance in the saving of inmate

Tomlinson’s life.

Sergeant Harvey exemplifies the role of a dedi-

cated public servant and is in keeping with

the highest standards of the Hamilton County

Sheriff’s Office. Accordingly, this Certificate of

Commendation and Sheriff’s Challenge Coin

are awarded to Sergeant Robert Harvey.

Presented July 10, 2012

Pictured are Captain

Bill Johnson with De-

tective Clift, Detective

Cox and the Sheriff.

On February 8, 2012,

Detective James Clift

along with Kenneth Cox

and James Siler of the

Hamilton County Fugi-

tive Division arrested

escapee Darrious

Brown.

Continued next page

“Lord, when I am wrong, make me willing to change. When

I am right, make me easy to live with. Strengthen me so that

the power of my example will far exceed the authority of my rank.”

~ Pauline H. Peters

Darrious Brown walked off from a work detail

at Standifer Place Nursing Home on February

5, 2012. The diligent efforts displayed by De-

tectives Clift, Cox and Siler led them to

Brown’s sister’s house at 1705 South Haw-

thorne Avenue, where they found Brown hid-

ing in the attic.

When detectives attempted to apprehend

Brown, he was jumping out a second story

window to elude capture. Brown received in-

juries as a result of the fall and was taken in-

to custody by detectives.

Detectives Clift and Cox exemplify the role of

dedicated public servants and are in keeping

with the highest standards of the Hamilton

County Sheriff’s Office. Accordingly, these

Certificates of Commendation and Sheriff’s

Challenge Coins are awarded to Detectives

James Clift and Kenneth Cox.

Presented July 10, 2012

Pictured right are Ser-

geant Ragan McDevitt,

Corporal Larry Posey

and the Sheriff.

On April 14, 2012, Dep-

uty Posey was working

the RIID grant. Dispatch

advised him that the

Tennessee Highway Pa-

trol was in pursuit of a

vehicle and the driver of

the vehicle was a murder

suspect from Fort Camp-

bell, Tennessee. Deputy

Posey joined the pur-

suit. After crossing into Georgia, a Georgia

State Patrol Officer joined the pursuit.

When the GSP officer joined the pursuit, the

THP Officer dropped out of it. Deputy Posey

continued so the GSP Officer would have back

-up. After a pursuit that lasted approximately

46 minutes, the GSP Officer “pitted” the vehi-

cle causing it to crash. The suspect then shot

himself in the head.

Deputy Posey exemplifies the role of a dedicat-

ed public servant and is in keeping with the

highest standards of the Hamilton County

Sheriff’s Office. Accordingly, this Certificate of

Commendation and Sheriff’s Challenge Coin

are awarded to Deputy Posey.

Presented July 10, 2012

The Roll Call, July 31st, 2012 9

Pictured are Captain John

Swope, Mrs. Tamra Bowman,

Deputy Charles Bowman and

the Sheriff.

On March 20, 2012, Deputy

Bowman was conducting a

head count at the beginning of

the shift when he noticed in-

mate Edward Moore was at-

tempting to hang himself with

a blanket in his cell. Deputy

Bowman went into the cell and

held the subject up while

nurse Patty untied the blanket that inmate

Moore had around his neck. The quick action

and awareness of Deputy Bowman in his duty

performance resulted in assisting in the sav-

ing of inmate Moore’s life. Deputy Bowman’s

training in life saving techniques is commend-

able.

Deputy Bowman exemplifies the role of a ded-

icated public servant and is in keeping with

the highest standards of the Hamilton County

Sheriff’s Office. Accordingly, this Certificate

of Commendation and Sheriff’s Challenge

Coin are awarded to Deputy Bowman.

Presented July 10, 2012

Shown right are Captain

John Swope, Deputy

Marquez Brown and the

Sheriff.

On March 20, 2012, Depu-

ty Brown was conducting a

head count at the begin-

ning of the shift when he

noticed inmate Edward

Moore was attempting to

hang himself with a blan-

ket in his cell. Deputy

Brown held the cell door

open and directed staff to the incident site.

The quick action and awareness of Deputy

Brown in his duty performance resulted in

assisting in the saving of inmate Moore’s

life. Deputy Brown’s training in life saving

techniques is commendable.

Deputy Brown exemplifies the role of a dedi-

cated public servant and is in keeping with

the highest standards of the Hamilton County

Sheriff’s Office. Accordingly, this Certificate

of Commendation and Sheriff’s Challenge

Coin are awarded to Deputy Brown.

Presented July 10, 2012

10 The Roll Call, July 31st, 2012

Corrections Graduation

Director G.A. Bennett, Sheriff

Jim Hammond, Chief Allen

Branum, Corrections Officer

Terry Jefferies and Chief Ron

Parson stand with the cor-

rections recent graduates.

Above are: Officers Jamie

Braden, Ronald Day, Amber

Geer, Martin Perry, Benjamin

Robbs and Andrew Voss.

Officer Martin Perry received

an award for the highest aca-

demic score and Officer An-

drew Voss received an award

for being selected by his

peers as the class president.

All officers with the exception

of Ronald Day joined the 2nd

shift; Robbs joined the offic-

ers of the 3rd shift.

Since joining their shifts, the

officers have been in cross

training and learning basic

operations for their respec-

tive shifts. Several of the of-

ficers have previous histories

with the HCSO. Andrew Voss

served alongside the HCSO

SWAT as their designated

EMT. Robert Day served as

an HCSO Reserved Officer.

The class graduation was

held on June 28, 2012.

The HCSO Corrections Divi-

sion is glad to welcome the

newest corrections graduates

shown here.

The Roll Call, July 31st, 2012 11

Continued next page

Sheriff’s Office Spotlights Versatility

Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office De-

tective Roger Brown has recently com-

pleted a ten-week training program

held at the University of Tennessee

National Forensic Academy. This pro-

gram is funded by the Bureau of Jus-

tice Assistance and designed to meet

the needs of law enforcement agencies

in evidence identification, collection

and preservation.

The goal of this training is to prepare

the crime scene investigator to recog-

nize key elements and to improve the

process of evidence recovery and sub-

mission.

The training consists of 400 hours of training

that involves 170 hours of in-class work and

230 hours of field practicum.

During the course students are responsible

for several educational objectives that in-

clude, quizzes, test, case files, research pa-

pers and various other hands-on experiences.

Congratulations Detective Roger Brown for a

job well done.

By Janice Atkinson

Ginger Merritt is the supervisor in criminal

records for the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Of-

fice. Since she has been in this position, Gin-

ger has assisted in the start up and training

for the paperless reports and the use of the

Mobile Data Computers as well as the start

up and training of Electronic Arrest Reports.

She also serves as the NCIC/TIES (Terminal

Agency Coordinator) for the sheriff’s office

and the NIBRS/TIBRS (Reporting Agency Co-

ordinator). This means that Ginger is instru-

mental in all training for new deputies and

civilian employees and re-certification of both

when

needed.

Ginger is

married

to Ed

Merritt

who is

assigned

to the

Criminal

Investiga-

tion Division of the Sheriff’s Office. They have

12 The Roll Call, July 31st, 2012

Pictured are Detec-tive Roger Brown and his son, Blake.

The Roll Call, July 31st, 2012 13

John Julian - John joined HCSO in 1993

and has worked 3rd shift from the beginning.

With seventeen years of service, John is re-

garded as the HCSO’s senior corrections of-

ficer regardless of the shift he works. His ten-

ure allowed him to work with HCSO legendary

lieutenants including Flip Wilson and Harold

Lasley.

John’s parents were educators, his father

serving as a local principal. Both parents are

deceased with John’s mother recently pass-

ing. He attends mosque and spends his spare

time reading books on philosophy, religion

and history.

He is a gun enthusiast and enjoys frequent

trips to the gun range. He has made several

visits to various regions in Africa.

Leonard Holbrook - Leonard Holbrook start-

ed his second career in the Civil Process Divi-

sion of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office in

2001.

He brought a wealth of experience to the job,

after serving thirty-three years in law enforce-

ment before his retirement at the Chattanoo-

ga Police Department.

He is married to his wife, Carolyn, and they

have five children, Sherrie, age 46, Brenda,

44, Paul, 41, Michael, 38 and Christie, age 29

along with five grandchildren. In his down

time, Leonard enjoys woodworking and gar-

dening, but he really just enjoys spending time with his family and his friends.

two daughters, whom she says are totally

spoiled.

In her spare time she enjoys riding her horse,

Chewie, but she also is involved in the rescue

of abused or abandoned animals. Oh yes,

Ginger makes time for Zumba classes and is

now an instructor.

By Janice Atkinson

“Life is like a dogsled team. If you ain't the lead dog,

the scenery never changes.” ~ Lewis Grizzard

14 The Roll Call, July 31st, 2012

DEAR SHERIFF HAMMOND,

Director Bennett,

I would like to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation for your assistance in

meeting my educational goals. The personnel I met today were subject matter experts

and provided me information that will be beneficial in my dissertation. Please pass

along my appreciation and thanks for their willingness to take valuable time out of

their schedule to assist me. It was a pleasure meeting you and your staff. Thank you

and your organization for the service provided to the State of Tennessee and the City of

Chattanooga!

Leon Kilgore, (Retired military officer who is working on his Ph.D. and who spent a

day doing interviews with HCSO personnel through our Internship Program.)

From the phone lines - “A citizen called to make sure the sheriff and Shannon

Wilson’s supervisor knew how helpful she had been at a recent Neighborhood Watch

meeting. He was impressed that even though he lived in the City of Chattanooga,

she was willing to assist him in any way possible.”

Returning home from work,

a blonde was shocked to

find her house ransacked

and burglarized. She tele-

phoned the police at

once and reported the

crime. The police dis-

patcher broadcast the call

on the radio and a K-9 unit

patrolling nearby was

the first to respond.

As the K-9 officer ap-

proached the house with

his dog on a leash, the

blonde ran out on

the porch, shuddered at

the sight of the cop and his

dog, then sat down on the

steps. Putting her face in

her hands, she moaned, “I

come home to find all my

possessions stolen. I call the

police for help, and what do

they do? They send me a

BLIND policeman!”

The Roll Call, July 31st, 2012 15

The year was early1982 and

the first HCSO newsletter

rolled off the press. Well, ac-

tually it was an IBM Selectric

II Typewriter with a corrector

ribbon. Nonetheless, Gino

Bennett and Charlene Wiley

dutifully carried out the pro-

cess of keeping employees

informed on legal updates,

inter-departmental an-

nouncements, employees’

birthday and anniversary

dates.

When time allowed, Ms.

Wiley would include employ-

ee spotlights and one could

always find words of encour-

agement from the Chaplain’s

Corner along with greetings

from the front office.

The Roll Call consisted of 2

legal sheets of paper with

print on both sides. HCSO

copy machines did not print

in color nor were they

equipped to print front to

back. Therefore, pages one

and three were copied; the

paper was then manually

placed back in the copy ma-

chine to print pages two and

four on reverse. (HCSO had

no mobile data systems or

employee email back in those

days.)

For a little Christmas in July,

let’s take a glance back at

the first of three pages of the

December 24, 1986, issue of

The Roll Call as shown on

page 16 in this issue.

Technological advancements

and a dedicated editorial

staff diligently strive to im-

prove the employee newslet-

ter that was conceived thirty

years ago. Enjoy the histori-

cal read on the next page.

Meanwhile, be safe and stay

informed.

Captain Lenda Clark

A Glance Back at The Roll Call

16 The Roll Call, July 31st, 2012

The Roll Call, July 31st, 2012 17

1 Daniel, Blake K.

2 Triplett, Robert Lynn

3 Godina, Lilia Lucia

3 Sanders, Jefferson Harlen

4 Ashburn, Joseph Brian

6 Fain, Jerry Edward

8 Evans, Ronald E.

8 Hooper, Mark N.

8 Lasley, Harold L.

8 Whittle, Patricia G.

9 Bowman, Gregory Wade

9 Clarkson, Isaac Lewis

9 Lee, Rodney Dale

10 Willhoit, Clyde L. II

10 Wilson, Douglas Leon

11 Hardy, Stanley H.

12 McDowell, Teresa D.

14 Hamrick, James Richard

15 Jones, Ricky A.

16 Carson, Greggory Thomas

16 Poteet, Jeremy Scott

17 Bowen, James Clifford

17 Johnson, Garry

17 Rush, Robert Ray

17 Wyatt, Austin

18 Drew, Elizabeth Ann

18 Forgey, Shane Thomas

20 Wright, Anna Louise

21 Eustice, Thomas Arthur

23 Mann, Timothy Jerome

23 Wildes, Jimmy Dean

26 McGhee, Angelita Etrice

26 Robbs, John Stanley

27 Harvey, Robert Dale

27 Walker, Jonathan Timothy

29 Bledsoe, Wilson Lamont

29 Lowery, Charles Oliver III

30 Burnette, Kellie Dawn

30 Watts, Kimberly Robin

31 Hogan, Matthew Hart

August, 2012

QUESTION: Where was the first Ham-

ilton County, TN Courthouse located?

Hint - It not only served as the first

courthouse and the county seat. It also

served as a way station for the Trail of

Tears and as a hospital during the Civil

War.

ANSWER: In former Hamilton County

Judge Lewis Shepherd's Personal Mem-

oirs, he records a description of the

county’s courthouses. He describes the

first as Poe’s Tavern. A large, two-story log

house, situated at the foot of Walden’s

Ridge, Poe’s Tavern was designated as the

court of “common pleas and special ses-

sions” in 1819. The courts were held at

the Poe home for several years and were

then moved to the home of John Mitchell.