Tennessee politicians reacted to the death of a Tennessee police officer.
On Sunday, Blount County Deputy Justin Mowery died in a car crash while in the line of duty, according to the Blount County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO).
Mowery (pictured above), who was 30 years old, started working for the sheriff’s office in 2020. After graduating from the training academy, he served as a patrol deputy, BCSO noted. In December 2021, Mowery joined the BCSO’s SWAT team.
Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) on X asked people to pray for Mowery’s family, BCSO, and the Blount County community “as they grieve this horrific loss.”
“Our hearts are broken by this devastating news,” she said.
Representative Tim Burchett (R-TN-02) said on X he and his wife were “saddened” by the news of Mowery’s death. Burchett also asked people to pray for the Mowery family, BCSO, and Blount County Sheriff James Lee Berrong.
Berrong, who oversees nearly 200 police officers, said he was heartbroken, calling it “devastating for his family, his shift-mates, this agency, and our community.”
“We appreciate the swift response of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, and together we are working to determine how the accident happened. We are also thankful for the response from all of the surrounding law enforcement agencies as well as the offers for assistance from agencies across the state,” he stated.
“Please pray for Deputy Mowery’s family, and pray for our deputies,” the sheriff added.
In reaction to the news, the Tennessee Highway Patrol and the Tennessee Department of Safety offered their “deepest condolences” to Mowery’s family, friends, and coworkers.
“Please keep Deputy Mowery’s family and the BCSO in your prayers,” the Tennessee Highway Patrol said on X.
The Knoxville Police Department also noted it was “devastated” by the loss of Mowery and extended its “heartfelt condolences to all who knew and loved Deputy Mowery.”
Williamson County Sheriff’s Office said it stood with BCSO.
“Our hearts are with Deputy Mowery’s family, friends, and fellow deputies, and with Sheriff James Lee Berrong and the entire Blount County law enforcement family during this incredibly difficult time,” it added.
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Zachery Schmidt is the digital editor of The Star News Network. Email tips to Zachery at zschmidt1717@gmail.com.
