The Advocate & Democrat
Hometown Heroes 2026-1
2026
Hometown Heroes is a special publication of The Advocate & Democrat
The Advocate & Democrat
2-Hometown Heroes 2026
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is moving forward under the leadership of newly-elected Sheriff Jim Kile, with a focus on strengthening public trust, increasing transparency, advancing training, and ensuring the safety of Monroe County residents. Sheriff Kile took office on Sept. 1, 2026, and leads an agency employing more than 100 full-time employees across multiple divisions, including the Patrol Division, School Resource Officers, Criminal Investigation Division, Court Security Division, Narcotics Investigation Division, Corrections Division, and other essential operational and administrative functions. The Sheriff’s Office is responsible for providing law enforcement services throughout Monroe County, overseeing jail administration and inmate custody, providing court security, and carrying out civil duties and the service of legal process. As Monroe County continues to grow, Sheriff Kile is committed to ensuring the agency meets the needs of its citizens while maintaining a professional, accountable, and community-focused approach to law enforcement. “As your newly elected sheriff, I am committed to restoring public trust, ensuring transparency, and providing professional service while protecting our citizens to the highest standard,” said Kile. “Monroe County has always been home, and I’m looking forward to making it a safer place to live with professional law enforcement representation.”
To support the agency’s daily operations and long-term goals, Sheriff Kile has established a command staff consisting of a chief deputy, deputy chief of patrol, deputy chief of operations, and deputy chief of corrections. The leadership team also includes five lieutenants assigned to key areas of responsibility, including the Criminal Investigation Division, Patrol Division, Training, and Corrections, with two lieutenants assigned to Corrections. The agency’s leadership structure provides oversight across its various divisions while supporting operational effectiveness, accountability, and continued professional development. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is currently receiving more than $1.3 million in active state and federal grant funding. These resources are helping strengthen public safety initiatives, advance officer training, upgrade equipment, and provide educational and recovery programs for inmates. The agency’s investment in inmate education and recovery services is also aimed at reducing recidivism by providing individuals with opportunities to address underlying challenges and prepare for successful reintegration into the community. Through these initiatives, the Sheriff’s Office is working to improve law enforcement capabilities while recognizing the importance of prevention, rehabilitation, and responsible use of available resources. Sheriff Kile’s priorities include maintaining a professional workforce, improving public safety services, and ensuring the agency remains accountable to the citizens it serves. Continued training, updat-
Newly-elected Monroe County Sheriff Jim Kile takes the oath of office.
ed equipment, and community engagement will remain important components of those efforts. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office operates from the Monroe County Justice Center, located at 4500 New Highway 68 in Madisonville. Residents seeking information or assistance may contact the Sheriff’s Office at 423-442-3911. Under Sheriff Kile’s leadership, the agency remains focused on its responsibility to protect and serve the people of Monroe County while working to build a safer community through professionalism, transparency, and public trust.
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Hometown Heroes 2026-3
Madisonville Police Department The Madisonville Police serves the community with a staff that includes road officers, detectives, school resource officers, an animal control officer, and chaplain. The Police Chief is Danny Russell. The department participates in a variety of events, including the city’s Fourth of July celebration, Halloween in the City, Shop with a Cop, Toys for Tots and the annual Christmas parade. The police also coordinate with the Downtown Madisonville Alliance in several events held in downtown Madisonville and Memorial Park. Because of the challenging times we live in, the department has added the first special response team the department
has ever had, fully trained. Each officer has been through basic SWAT school, as well as advanced SWAT school, and has been issued state-of the-art equipment thanks to the Law Enforcement Support Program (LESO) provided by the federal government. This program has allowed small police departments like Madisonville access to funds to purchase equipment, such as active shooter kits for every road officer in the department, as well as both school resource officers and all the equipment needed to equip the special response team at no cost to the taxpayers. The department has also converted all departmentissued shot guns to non-lethal
Vonore Police Police Chief Danny Russell weapons by changing out all the ammo to bean bag ammo, giving officers non-lethal training with more options in bad situations. The department is located at 101 Tellico Street North in downtown Madisonville behind the Courthouse.
The 12 square-mile town Eckert, Robert Moses and of Vonore serves as a hub Brandon Watkins, and partfor visitors traveling from time patrolman Jake Tyler. one end of the Vonore Police state to the Department conother, all while tinuously strives hosting a smallto remain active town feel. in local school The and community Vonore Police events, serving Department’s in various capacimission is to ties among the “build a strong town’s population community relaof approximately tion with the 1,500 people. Police Chief citizens, preGraham and Shane Carr serve the peace, his department and protect so citizens work hard to maintain safe can feel safe and secure.” and orderly roadways, comThe department wants to munities, neighborhoods, welcome and serve both and schools. The mayor residents and visitors, allow- and board of alderman work ing them to feel safe and diligently to support the to enjoy the beauty of the efforts of the Vonore Police town’s natural resources. Department. Vonore Interim Police Chief Graham attributes Chief Shane Carr started the success of the departhis law enforcement career ment to the dedication of in 1993. Along with Carr, his force and the residents Vonore’s police force conthey serve and protect. sists of Lt. Cory Fritts, Sgt. Vonore Police Department Eric Watson, patrolmen is located at 613 Church Kevin Osborne, Alexander Street.
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4-Hometown Heroes 2026
Byrum reflects on 25 years as Sweetwater’s chief of police Sweetwater Police Chief Eddie Byrum has served the City of Sweetwater for 25 years as the chief of police, a testament to his willingness to serve. While this year marked the 25th year that Byrum started working as the chief of police for the city, he has been serving the community in law enforcement for 36 years. “I graduated high school here and played sports. I already had a knowledge of some of the officers and how they conducted themselves,” he said, reflecting on what brought him into law enforcement. “I felt that I wanted to be a part of the community and this was a great way for me to begin my career in law enforcement. Here in Sweetwater, I had some great mentors, and it was a great opportunity to serve the community and give back to a community that helped me so much in youth.” Byrum started his law enforcement career in 1989 in Sweetwater where he worked for several years before he swapped to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department for a few months to work as a detective. “Then an opening came up and the chief was gracious enough to allow me to come back, and I have been with Sweetwater ever since then,” he expressed. “It has been a fabulous career, and it has taught me to rely on the strength of the community and we have a great community.” Despite the busy lifestyle of being in law enforcement, Byrum dedicates time to spend with his family and friends and participate in community events. “It is satisfying to look back and reflect on all of the things that we have accomplished over these past 25 years,” he stated. “I’ve been able to hire and retain a lot of great officers. We have maintained great relationships with officers who have moved on to various other agencies and it’s great to have a relationship with those men and women who have grown into themselves.” Officers who have moved on from the Sweetwater PD have moved on to various communities throughout the state and nation. “We have officers that used to be with us now with
Sweetwater Police Chief Eddie Byrum (left) is presented with a proclamation recognizing his 25 years of service by State Sen. Tom Hatcher.
the state, the TBI, FBI, etc. Training has always been big for me, I even served as an instructor at the academy, so I love seeing how these people develop their skills and continue to serve their community,” he said. Byrum encouraged anyone considering a career in law enforcement to look into their local departments. “Law enforcement is a great profession, so if you even consider it then you should contact an agency and try to get on as an auxiliary or something because it is a wonderful way to build relationships that will last a lifetime,” he expressed “Don’t look for reasons not to do it, instead look for reasons to pursue it.” Byrum added that community support locally is very strong and that is important to himself and the
officers who serve here. “As I reflect, I think back in the time I have been blessed to serve as chief and even be in law enforcement for 36 years. One of the most challenging things that I’ve had to deal with in law enforcement has been keeping up the positive news on our officers,” he said. “We see stuff happening in other states or cities and most people only see the negative things that happen in law enforcement, so I like to try to promote the positive things. Being here in Sweetwater, in Monroe County, sure makes it a lot easier when you have the support of the community and I try to make sure that we have a good relationship with our community.”
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Hometown Heroes 2026-5
Sweetwater Police Department The Sweetwater Police Department (SPD) prides itself on staying involved in the community. Sweetwater Police Commissioner James H. Stutts and SPD Chief Eddie Byrum believe community involvement is the best way to stay proactive and be prepared. SPD believes strongly in community policing, which is accomplished by talking with residents and communicating with them on a daily basis along with the neighborhood watch program. In addition to full-time officers, SPD also has part-time auxiliary officers, which includes the school security officers in each Sweetwater City School. SPD also has officers who are very fluent speaking Spanish, which is a big help to the department as the community grows more diverse. There are many free services SPD offers, which include crime prevention awareness home visits and talk-
ing with residents about ways to make their property safer from crime along with visits to businesses to educate them on ways to avoid being a victim of crime. Whether it is distributing fans to the elderly during hot weather through the Elder Watch Program, hosting a National Night Out each August for thousands of citizens, or watching your home with extra patrol while you are on vacation, SPD has numerous free services that go the extra mile to protect the community. Other programs include: • Unlocking locked cars • A fingerprint ID program for area children • Sex-offender registry • Stranger-Danger program • Christmas benevolence programs • Red Ribbon anti-drug program You can find out more about these programs by calling the department at 423-337-6151.
Tellico Plains Police Department The Tellico Plains Police Department (TPPD) seeks to create peace and security in their small town. Tellico Plains Police Chief David Bookout is a lifelong resident of this small-knit community inside Monroe County. He spent over 20 years serving on the Town Council before joining the Police Department in 2018. Along with Bookout, Tellico Plains Police Department consists of Capt. Kaity Watson, Brian Ferguson, Jacob Fuller,
Mason Coker, and Doug Millsaps. The Tellico Plains Police Department’s mission is to “essentially protect and serve and, most importantly, have a strong community relationship, so that the residents and visitors always feel safe.” While the TPPD does not currently have any special programs for citizens, each year the department organizes the town’s Trunk or Treat event. The department also partici-
pates in a variety of community events, such as the Summer Reading Program at the Tellico Plains Public Library, a TouchA-Truck program at Tellico Plains Elementary School, and numerous town-sponsored events, including the annual Christmas Parade, Candlelight Walk, Dance on the Square, and festivals throughout the year. In addition, the department’s Toys for Tellico program creates a magical Christmas for families
in need around the holidays each year. The Tellico Plains Town Council works diligently to support the efforts of the Police Department, helping it better serve the community. Tellico Plains Police Department is located inside Tellico Plains City Hall at 405 Veterans Memorial Drive. They can be reached at 423253-2030. The office hours of operation are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Police Chief David Bookout
The Advocate & Democrat
6-Hometown Heroes 2026
Veterans Services Office Army veteran Andy Boyd is the Monroe County director of Veteran Services, and he is ready to help local veterans with whatever needs they have. Boyd helps veterans navigate the sometimes-complicated Veteran’s Administration (VA). Boyd served in the Army from 1987 to 1991. He is also the son of a veteran and grandson of a veteran. The Monroe County Veteran’s Office is in the old General Sessions Court building, or the Witt Judicial Building, at 403 Tellico Street in Madisonville. The Veterans Services Office strives
to help veterans or their families with filing claims with the VA. “Claims could be for disability compensation, pensions, burial bene fits, or survivor’s benefits. The office can help with appealing to the VA due to negative decisions applied to the veteran. There is also assistance with filing for VA health care or other VA benefits, such as education, VA home loans, insurance, and vocational rehab,” explained Boyd. “The office can help a veteran request his or her DD214 (discharge papers) or provide assistance with a variety of other
veteran issues, including offering contacts to other resources that might be helpful.” Boyd said Monroe County is also extremely grateful to veteran service organizations for everything they do. “They do a lot for the veteran community in Monroe County. These include the American Legions, Commander Mark Stewart, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Commander Jeremy Smith, and Vet to Vet President Randy Scott.” For assistance, call the Veterans Service Office at 423-442-5812.
Monroe County Director of Veterans Services Andy Boyd.
and now teach Basic EMT and Advanced EMT classes in house. This has allowed us to train the next generation of EMS professionals from Monroe and surrounding counties here in our own commu-
nity. We have had several students enrolled and successfully completed the classes and have been employed and are beginning their careers in EMS and fire departments.
Monroe County EMS BY RANDY WHITE Monroe County EMS Director Monroe County EMS started providing service to Monroe County in July 1974. We serve a population of approximately 49,000 residents. We operate five ambulances staffed for 24 hours a day, along with one 12-hour daytime truck. Together, crews respond to approximately 10,000 calls each year, providing emergency care across the county. We have the most aggressive protocols in the state and equipment to support patients in the field. Our EMS Director capabilities Randy White include the
use of blood products and intravenous antibiotics, giving paramedics additional options to provide timely care before a patient reaches the hospital. Monroe County EMS is excited to have been only the second ground service in the state carr ying blood products. Carr ying blood products is a great asset to have in such a rural county, and it has already been credited for saving several lives. By combining advanced protocols with modern equipment, our skilled clinicians can make a meaningful difference in patient outcomes. Ever y ambulance is equipped with the most state-of-the-art equipment which includes LIFEPAK 35 cardiac monitors, McGrath video lar yngoscopes, Baxter IV pumps and LUCAS 3 devices, which provide mechanical chest compressions during resuscitation. We are also proud to announce our own education program
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Hometown Heroes 2026-7
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8-Hometown Heroes 2026
Emergency Management Agency BY CHAD LEMING Monroe County EMA Director I am blessed and honored to serve as emergency management agency director for Monroe County. Emergency management is about much more than responding when disaster strikes. It is about preparing our county, strengthening partnerships, identifying potential hazards, and making sure our responders and communities
have the resources and plans necessary when an emergency occurs. Emergency management encompasses five important areas: prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. Accomplishing those goals requires cooperation among local government officials, law enforcement, fire departments, emergency medical services, rescue personnel, and other community partners, as well as coordination with the Tennessee Emergency Management
Rescue Squad The Monroe County Rescue Squad is the epitome of community volunteers coming together for the good of everyone. Monroe County Rescue Squad members give freely of their time for all kinds of emergencies and situations that occur. Whether it is responding to a motor vehicle accident on the interstate or a country road, a boating accident on an area waterway, a missing person call in rough terrain or helping park cars at a high school football game, the Monroe County Rescue Squad is always there to help local residents. Each year, the Rescue Squad holds an annual banquet to recognize and honor its members. Awards are presented to squadmen of the year and other certificates of appreciation. In addition, the Rescue Squad recognizes the area businesses and organizations
that support them throughout the year. The Rescue Squad elects its officers for the new year and provides a report on all the calls Squad members respond to in a coming year. In a typical year, the Monroe County Rescue Squad can log more than 8,600 man hours, working hundreds of automobile accidents, missing person reports and assisting other first responders on numerous types of calls. Monroe County Rescue Squad members also volunteer many hours a year to get the latest training to help keep our county’s residents safe. The Rescue Squad is constantly seeking the best and most advanced equipment to perform its important roles in the community. As a non-profit organization, the Rescue Squad relies on donations to help fund its mission.
Agency (TEMA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). No single department or agency can prepare for or respond to every emergency alone. Our ability to protect Monroe County depends on communication, training, cooperation, and people who are willing to serve. For questions concerning Monroe County Emergency Management, contact the EMA office at mc.ema@monroetn. gov or 423-519-7100.
Chad Leming
The Advocate & Democrat
Hometown Heroes 2026-9
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10-Hometown Heroes 2026
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Monroe County’s E-911 Center SUBMITTED BY E-911 DIRECTOR APRIL WHITE
medical app. dispatchers to send a link to the caller’s RapidSOS will also notify us before cell phone and, within a matter of secwe even receive the first 911 call of an onds, we can have access to their phone. Since the origination of 911 in Monroe accident if the caller’s car has a crash This is an incredible asset for callers County in 1993, technology has improved detection system on it or the caller’s cell who are uncertain, for example, if they vastly throughout the years. phone does. In December 2024, we went are attempting to do CPR and they aren’t When we first went online there were live with a new feature that allows the comfortable with whether they are doing two consoles with only two dispatchers covering the entire county. The radios were analog and there were paper logs for radio traffic and color-coded cards for the calls that we took. If we received a 911 call from a cell phone, it could ping miles from where the caller actually was because there were no location services to isolate where the caller was exactly. We used paper maps that were in the addressing room adjacent to the dispatch area. Fast forward to today. We have four consoles which are all manned at least 16-18 hours out of the day. We have a fifth one that is being prepped for going E-911 Director April White and her team live in the future. of dispatchers. We have a sixth console devoted only to the school system. With that console we have camera access to all schools that will help us in an emergency to provide the best response to the school. The cameras are not monitored all the time, only in an emergency, and can be accessed quickly. We have a CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch) in place of paper logs. This system allows us to always know what all units are on and what the disposition is of each call. The CAD also has a mapping system that is activated upon each call entered and brings up a visual of the location of the emergency. We have a recently implemented system that will ping to where a caller is within 10 feet of their location. The caller can even be located within a concrete building. This system is called RapidSOS. The benefits of having this system include being able to see any caller’s medical alerts or any medical information that is stored in an iPhone’s
it right. They can click on the link and prop up the phone so that we can watch and tell them if they are doing it right or wrong. We dispatch to 26 different departments. Each year we see an increase in call volume.
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Hometown Heroes 2026-11
To All our law enforcement officers and rescue workers - we would like to say “Thank You” for all you do!
Wishes to thank ALL Hometown Heroes SWEETWATER UTILITIES BOARD
We are proud of you!
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(423) 337-5081
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203 Monroe Street
423-337-6979
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm
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12-Hometown Heroes 2026
Monroe County’s Volunteer Fire Departments An important part of Monroe County’s emergency response system is its volunteer fire service. Monroe County is served by several volunteer fire departments, including Ballplay, Christianburg, Citico, Coker Creek, Conasauga Valley, Gudger, Hopewell, Mt. Vernon, North Monroe, Notchey Creek, Rafter, Tellico Plains Rural, and Tri-Community. For many Monroe County residents, these departments provide a critical local emergency response capability. Their responsibilities also extend far beyond fighting structure fires. Volunteer firefighters respond to a wide variety of emergencies, including structure and wildland fires, motor vehicle crashes, aircraft and ATV incidents, medical emergencies, hazardous materials incidents, and ground and water searches. These departments routinely work alongside law enforcement, EMS, EMA, the Rescue Squad, career fire departments, and other agencies. Countywide training, Local Emergency Planning Committee meetings, 911 user committee meetings, and outside training opportunities help strengthen communication and working relationships among emergency service organizations. When a major emergency happens, those relationships matter. The Cost of Being Prepared Providing fire and emergency services requires much more than having a fire truck parked at the station. Departments must maintain stations and apparatuses, purchase protective equipment, replace hoses and tools, provide training, pay utilities and fuel expenses, maintain insurance coverage, and replace aging emergency equipment. The Monroe County Commission provides funding through the Monroe County Firefighters Association (MCFA). Those funds help cover significant associationlevel expenses, including vehicle insurance, workers’ compensation, and accident and sickness coverage. Under the funding structure described by MCFA, after those expenses are paid, each department receives approximately
$20,975 toward its other operating expenses. That money must help cover costs such as station and vehicle maintenance, equipment replacement, training, utilities, fuel, property insurance, and other expenses necessary to keep a department operational. It does not take long for those expenses to add up. Structural firefighting protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus, commonly called SCBA, represent a substantial investment for each firefighter. Departments must also purchase and maintain fire hoses, nozzles, radios, thermal-imaging cameras, medical equipment, rescue tools, and specialized equipment for the many different types of emergencies they encounter. Fire apparatus represents an even larger investment. Engines, tankers, rescue or service units, mobile air units, rehabilitation units, and command vehicles may all have roles during larger incidents. This is why funding cannot come from one source alone. Grant programs have provided important opportunities for volunteer departments to obtain equipment and training that might otherwise be difficult to afford. The Tennessee Volunteer Firefighter Equipment and Training Grant Program is one example. It provides funding to qualifying volunteer departments for firefighting equipment and training and can also assist with local matching requirements for certain federal equipment grants. But grants do not eliminate the need for local support. Not every application results in an award, and some grant opportunities require matching funds. Departments must still pay routine operating expenses while planning for the eventual replacement of apparatus and equipment. That is why local fundraisers, donations, grants, county appropriations, and community support continue to be important to the volunteer fire service. When you support your local volunteer fire department’s fundraiser or donate, you are helping that department maintain the equipment and resources its volunteers
may need when someone in your community calls for help. The Most Important Resource Is People Equipment is essential, but a fire engine cannot respond to an emergency by itself… It takes people. Volunteer firefighters give their time to train and respond when their neighbors need assistance. Emergencies do not happen according to a convenient schedule. Calls can come during the workday, in the middle of the night, on weekends, during bad weather, and on holidays. There are also many ways to support a volunteer fire department without becoming an interior structural firefighter. Departments need people to assist with fundraising, administrative duties, maintenance, community activities, and other support functions. These volunteers play an important role in keeping their departments operating and allowing emergency responders to concentrate on training and answering calls. Individuals interested in volunteering can receive education and training to prepare them for the roles they undertake. Preparedness Is a Community Effort Emergency management ultimately comes down to preparedness and partner-
ship. From improving Monroe County’s emergency radio communications to maintaining fire apparatus, training responders, obtaining needed equipment, planning for disasters, and recruiting the next generation of volunteers, every part contributes to a stronger emergency response system. “As EMA director, I am grateful for the local officials, law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, rescue personnel, dispatchers, emergency volunteers, and community partners who work together to serve Monroe County,” said Chad Leming. “I am equally grateful for the residents and businesses that support these organizations through donations, fundraisers, and volunteer service. Preparedness is not the responsibility of one department. It is a community effort, and together we can help make Monroe County safer and better prepared for the next emergency.” Those interested in becoming a volunteer with a Monroe County volunteer fire department may call 423-420-FIRE or visit Monroe County Tennessee Fire Association on Facebook. For questions concerning Monroe County Emergency Management, contact the EMA office at mc.ema@monroetn.com or 423-519-7100.
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Hometown Heroes 2026-13
Sweetwater Fire Department The Sweetwater Fire Department (SFD) prides itself in providing citizens with the best fire protection possible and diligently working to train firefighters to the highest standards in the fire service. SFD has two stations. Station 1 is located on Highway 68, and Station 2 is located on Highway 322 at Industrial Park Road. SFD has 15 fire fighters, an inspector, and the chief, all who are full-time employees. In the fire service, ISO (Insurance Services Office), an independent organization that evaluates a community’s ability to suppress fires, their operations and abilities, does an annual audit. This also helps insurance companies determine insurance rates for homeowners. SFD’s 2025 rating dropped to a Class 3 from a Class 4. This was accomplished with hard work and training from all firefighters within
the department, along with the vision and full support from Chief John Anderson and Sweetwater City Commissioners. SFD continues to strive for the best for the citizens of Sweetwater. SFD is funded by the taxpayers of the City of Sweetwater but annually applies for federal funding through Homeland Security’s FEMA program and has had great success in upgrading equipment with these grants. SFD has had a longstanding passion for fire safety in the community, by promoting fire safety programs in the schools, and offering fire extinguisher training and CPR/ first aid training. SFD installs smoke detectors free of charge through the State of Tennessee Fire Marshal’s Office “Get Alarmed” program. For more information or if you have questions, please call Sweetwater Fire Department at 423337-6724.
Vonore Fire Department The Vonore Fire Department prides itself in providing citizens with the best fire protection possible and diligently working to train firefighters to the highest standards in fire ser vice. The Department has seven full-time career professional firefighters, two part-time and 10 volunteers who operate out of two fire stations placed strategically throughout the city. Station 2 is in the Tellico West Industrial Park on Highway 72
west, and is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Station one is located at 608 Church Street in Downtown Vonore. Station 1 is staffed Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vonore Fire Department has a 2016 Freightliner, 2001 Kenworth, 1999 Pierce 65’ ladder truck, brush/ rescue truck, UT V, three quick response vehicles, and a command trailer. Vonore’s full-time firemen include Fire Chief Danny Amschler,
Fate Hitson, Chris Anderson, Channing Ledbetter, Charlie Osborne, Dylan Hadfield, and Blake Gentr y, and part-time employees Derrick Leming and Mike Cronan. The Vonore Fire Department provides a wide range of ser vices to nearly 12 square miles within the corporate limits of the town, ser ving over 1,700 citizens. The fire department’s focus is to protect life, property and community resources through prevention, preparation and response. Ser vices
provided include fire suppression, fire prevention, medical first response, hazardous materials and technical rescue. The town has an ISO rating of 5 within the corporate limits.
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14-Hometown Heroes 2026
Tellico Plains Fire Department Volunteer: a person who freely offers to take part in an enterprise or undertake a task. The Tellico Plains Fire Department has 20 volunteers who serve the community—all firefighters with a mission of protecting lives and property to the best of their ability. Call volume has increased significantly over the past couple of years with the department responding to over 500 calls this year. Most of the Fire Department’s funding comes from fundraising, with small portions of their budget coming from Monroe County and the Town of Tellico Plains. The support from the community is very important to the Fire Department’s
mission. Alan Hayes recently became the new fire chief for the department after switching roles with the previous chief, Michael Absher, who is now the assistant fire chief. “Although call volume is still on the rise, we are still in need of donations,” Hayes said. “We are proud of our volunteers and the community that we serve. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of the Tellico Plains Volunteer Fire Department.” Anyone who is interested in donating or becoming a volunteer should contact the Tellico Plains Volunteer Fire Department. Absher stated they do their best to
serve the community. “We try to do our best to serve our community. We do a lot of medical emergency calls and this past year, we covered a lot of house fires, wrecks, missing
persons…we were involved in just about every aspect of emergency services,” Absher expressed. The Tellico Plains Fire Department is located on Bank Street.
unusual events such as firefighter funerals and major water outages.” Mikey Smallen was appointed fire chief in August 2025. He has been working full-time
with the department for 26 years. During that time, he was the training officer for at least 20 years and a captain for around 15 years.
Madisonville Fire-Rescue The City of Madisonville was chartered in 1915 and, from researching city documentation, the Madisonville Fire Department was established in the mid-1920s. Since then, the department added a vital lifesaving skill of rescue to its wheelhouse, which prompted the current name of Madisonville Fire-Rescue. Gone are the days of only fighting fire. Modern day fire departments offer a variety of services from firefighting to vehicle extrication and anything in between to help the community.
Service is provided by both full-time and part-time firefighters, along with volunteer firefighters. In addition to their firefighting skills, some of the certifications held by department members are Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), hazardous materials technician, fire inspector, K9 search and rescue, car seat safety technician, and rescue technician. The department’s primary mission is to “provide routine second alarm through fifth alarm response and special calls to fire, hazmat, specialized rescue incidents, and
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Hometown Heroes 2026-15
Madisonville, Tennessee The Hub of Monroe County
To all our Hometown Heroes, we salute you. Thank you for your service and scarifies.
Myers Funeral Home and Monuments 315 Scott Street . Tellico Plains, TN . 423-253-2211 “ Our Family Serving Family Since 1973”
We Appreciate our Hometown Heroes!
Mayor: Scott Hunt Board of Aldermen: Chris Bowers Vice Mayor: Nancy Franklin Ed Dawson City Recorder: Sherri McCrary Nancy Franklin Maintenance Director: Charlie Atkins Danny Long Rhonda Cooley-Harold Chief of Police: Danny Russell Fire Chief: Mike Smallen
423-442-9416
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16-Hometown Heroes 2026
Training Heroes of the Future! Cleveland State EMT Program
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Contact your local branch and speak with a loan officer to learn more. *Zero loan origination fees on consumer real estate loans up to $250,000. Loan is subject to credit approval. Fees waived vary based on product type. Terms and conditions apply. Qualifying professions for the First Responders Loan Program include law enforcement, EMS/EMTs, firefighters, paramedics and Rescue Squad. Verification of service and/or employment required.