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Sullivan County Sheriff's K9 Officer Neeko subdues Deputy/K9 officer Andrew Walden during a demonstration of a new "bite suit" donated to the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office by Food City in honor of Sgt. Steve Hinkle, who died in the line of duty earlier this year. (August 13, 2019)
josborne
Sullivan County Sheriff''s Office

Food City donates 'bite suit' to Sullivan County Sheriff's Office

The company made the donation in honor of Sgt. Steve Hinkle, who died in the line of duty earlier this year.

Aug 13, 2019 at 8:30 PM
josborne
Sullivan County Sheriff''s Office

Sullivan settles officer-involved wreck lawsuit for $150,000

Deputy Brandon Poff, 30, was on duty at the time his cruiser struck a car on Stone Drive. He has since been reassigned as a school resource officer.

Aug 9, 2019 at 3:30 PM
josborne
Sullivan County Property Taxes

Sullivan County budget in limbo five days out from new fiscal year

Sullivan County commissioners couldn’t reach an agreement on an appropriations resolution (how money will be spent) or a county property tax rate in a called meeting Tuesday evening that ended in a stalemate.

Jun 26, 2019 at 9:01 AM
Sgt. Steve Hinkle's son, Audie, holds the sign dedicating that portion of Highway 11W to the slain law enforcement officer.
hhayes
Sgt. Steve Hinkle Memorial Highway

Highway dedicated to memory of slain Sullivan officer

BRISTOL, Tenn. — Remember those who gave all. That message was a recurring theme as lawmakers, family members and members of the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office gathered on a section of Highway 11W to dedicate the “Sgt. Steve Hinkle Memorial Highway” on Monday.

Jun 24, 2019 at 5:30 PM
Sgt. Steve Hinkle
mlane
Sullivan County Sheriff''s Office

Autopsy shows Sullivan County deputy died from single gunshot wound

An investigation into the February shooting found that Sgt. Steve Hinkle was killed by a single gunshot fired by Jackie Scott Pendergrass. According to a report, Pendergrass shot himself in the head later in the standoff with authorities.

Jun 4, 2019 at 6:00 PM
josborne
Sullivan County Property Taxes

Six-cent tax increase on table in Sullivan County

Two cents is proposed to fund school resource officers, two cents is proposed to give county employees a 2 percent raise, and two cents is proposed to fund about $650,000 of $1 million in new funding to add 20 employees to the county jail — $350,000 of which is projected to come from existing state revenue.

May 29, 2019 at 11:48 PM
Sheriff Jeff Cassidy
josborne
Jail Overcrowding

Sullivan sheriff: 'We're violating Constitutional rights'

Sullivan County Sheriff Jeff Cassidy said the number of inmates in the county’s jails will hit 1,000 this summer, those inmates don’t include simple marijuana offenders, it’s not his job to set bonds or release inmates, but it is his job to house inmates safely while also protecting the safety of his officers. 

May 19, 2019 at 1:45 PM
An officer supervises inmates at the Sullivan County jail Wednesday.
josborne
Sullivan County Jail

Nearly 66 percent of Sullivan County inmates awaiting trial, report says

Out of the 31 judicial districts across the state, Sullivan County ranked third when it came to probation violation cases filed last fiscal year with 1,938.

May 16, 2019 at 2:01 PM
Michael Ryan Cox
mlane
Insurance fraud

Blountville man charged with false report about stolen truck

Michael Ryan Cox was arrested on Friday and charged with making a false report and fraudulent insurance claims. Authorities say he gave several different stories about where his Nissan Titan truck was stolen from.

May 6, 2019 at 10:00 AM
mlane
Federal court

Sullivan County settles lawsuit with former dispatcher

Kendra Canipe worked for the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office for more than eight years as a dispatcher and corrections officer. She claimed she was terminated from her position because of her pregnancy, disability and requests for family leave.

May 4, 2019 at 12:30 PM
Cherokee principal Thomas Floyd said Tuesday's officer appreciation breakfast is an opportunity to say thanks to local law enforcement and show appreciation for everything they do in the community, a sentiment that needs to be expressed now more than ever. Officers had their choice of a variety of biscuits, gravy, pastries, fruit, juice, coffee, breakfast burritos, and pizza. A doggy bag was sent back to the HCSO and jail for the officers who weren’t able to attend.
jbobo
law enforcement appreciation

Cherokee High hosts annual police appreciation breakfast

"I hope they see that we want to honor their service, they see and feel our heartfelt thanks for what they do. Schools now more than ever are hand-in-hand with law enforcement.” — CHE principal Thomas Floyd

Mar 6, 2019 at 12:39 PM
josborne
Sgt. Steve Hinkle

Sgt. Steve Hinkle remembered as man of faith who loved the Lord

Five people professed a desire to welcome Christ into their hearts during a Celebration of Life held Saturday in memory of Hinkle, a 30 year veteran of the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office who died in the line of duty last week.

Mar 2, 2019 at 8:53 PM
A procession made of dozens of police officers and emergency responders from various agencies escorted a hearse containing Sgt. Steve Hinkle's body for autopsy in Johnson City. The convoy is seen here from Eastern Star Road above I-26.
rsmith
Sullivan County

Sullivan County deputy succumbs to gunshot wound

Sullivan County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Steve Hinkle, 65, passed away on Tuesday afternoon, three days after being shot at a welfare check that escalated to a standoff.

Feb 26, 2019 at 4:12 PM
Deputy Steve Hinkle
not logged in
Sullivan County Sheriff''s Office

Prayer vigil scheduled for Sullivan Co. deputy

A prayer vigil has been scheduled for 1 p.m. in the parking lot of the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office in Blountville for Deputy Steve Hinkle, who was shot early Saturday morning.

Feb 24, 2019 at 7:16 AM
Deputy Steve Hinkle was shot at this residence on Highway 11-W in Blountville near the rt. 394 intersection.
jbobo
Sullivan County Sheriff''s Office

Sullivan Co. Deputy Steve Hinkle reported in serious condition following shooting

“At some time during the gunfire exchange Deputy Steve Hinkle was struck by gunfire. Deputy Hinkle was transported to a local hospital where he is listed in serious condition.” — Sheriff Jeff Cassidy

Updated Feb 23, 2019 at 7:19 PM
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