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KATS MAY PROMOTION: – My Driver in May

KATS will be hosting their My Driver in May promotion in the month of May, offering gratitude and appreciation for the dedication and loyal service of the drivers in the month of May.

Bus and van passengers may come into KATS at 109 Clay Street during the month of May and fill out an appreciation form or they may request one from their driver. All positive comments will be shared with the drivers.

People just dont realize how difficult it is being a bus driver, said Transit Director Gary Taylor. There is so much more that goes into driving a bus. The importance of safety, customer service, required skills, focus and attention to detail are demonstrated daily by each driver and I am proud of them. Without them, KATS could not exist.

In a continued effort to highlight the many benefits of public transportation, KATS has been offering a series of monthly specials for the 2016 year. Many people enjoyed our April promotion where 25 KATS lime green totes and umbrellas were given away to lucky winners.

Stay tuned each month to see what will be offered! Make sure you take advantage of these deals, and tell your friends and family members. You can learn more about KATS at www.kingsporttransit.org.

WHAT: My Driver in May Promotion

WHERE: Route buses and Dial-A-Ride van service

WHEN: May 1, 2016 to May 31, 2016

The City of Kingsport Says Thumbs Down to Texting and Driving

KPD_News_116

KINGSPORT – April has been Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and while distracted driving awareness, prevention, and enforcement has most certainly been a priority this month, it really needs to a priority every single day.‚  Kingsport Police Officers have seen crashes that resulted from people driving down the road while texting, talking on the phone, eating, adjusting the climate control, tuning the radio, programming the G.P.S., putting on makeup, watching a movie, shaving, reading, and even just engrossed in a conversation with a fellow passenger.

And while many things can distract a driver, texting is arguably one of the worst.‚  Texting takes our eyes, hands, and mind completely off the task of driving.‚  There is a new epidemic these days.‚  Our world has become even more connected than ever before.‚  Communication is instantaneous.‚  Multi-tasking is second-nature.‚  The fear of missing out and missing messages has us on the edge of our seats and the edge of our keyboard, constantly checking, texting, tweeting, posting, and snapping.

Communication is not necessarily a bad thing, but when we are so attracted to our phones that we seem unable to put them down to pay attention when life demands it the most – behind the wheel ‚¬ there is a serious problem.‚  It is an extremely dangerous habit that has become so ingrained in our minds, we rationalize it as a necessary routine.‚  But in reality, not only is it illegal, it is extremely reckless and careless as well.‚  It is inconsiderate to other motorists, and even yourself and anyone who cares about you.

So what are we supposed to do about it?‚  It all starts with a movement, and all movements start with a choice and an action. ‚ Our choice is to not be distracted by our phones while behind the wheel, and our action is giving a thumbs down to those who do. ‚ There has never been an easier way to say it, and now that we can, we want to say it loud and clear.

Keep your thumbs down, citizens of Kingsport, and your chances of having a crash will go down also.‚  Join the movement in saying Thumbs Down to Texting and Driving!

Thumbs down to texting photo

Pictured left to right in the above photo: Major Jason Bellamy, P.I.O. Tom Patton, Lt. Joe Valentine, Chamber of Commerce President Miles Burdine, City Manager Jeff Fleming, Officer Quinn Shelton, Alderman Tommy Olterman, Captain Mike Roark, Alderman Tom Parham, Chief David Quillin, Officer Matt McGuire, Vice Mayor Mike McIntire, Alderwoman Michele Mitchell, Officer Joey Moody, Sgt. Steve Summey, Officer Nathan Elliott, Sgt. Micah Johnston, Officer Mike Slater

KPD e-News Release: The City of Kingsport Says Thumbs Down to Texting and Driving

,

Kingsport Police Department

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

ThomasMPatton • 423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-224-2786 (FAX)

http://Police.KingsportTN.gov • www.KingsportPDBlog.com

NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: The City of Kingsport Says Thumbs Down to Texting and Driving
DATE: April 29, 2016
GENERAL NARRATIVE
April has been Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and while distracted driving awareness, prevention, and enforcement has most certainly been a priority this month, it really needs to a priority every single day. Kingsport Police Officers have seen crashes that resulted from people driving down the road while texting, talking on the phone, eating, adjusting the climate control, tuning the radio, programming the G.P.S., putting on makeup, watching a movie, shaving, reading, and even just engrossed in a conversation with a fellow passenger.

And while many things can distract a driver, texting is arguably one of the worst. Texting takes our eyes, hands, and mind completely off the task of driving. There is a new epidemic these days. Our world has become even more connected than ever before. Communication is instantaneous. Multi-tasking is second-nature. The fear of missing out and missing messages has us on the edge of our seats and the edge of our keyboard, constantly checking, texting, tweeting, posting, and snapping.

Communication is not necessarily a bad thing, but when we are so attracted to our phones that we seem unable to put them down to pay attention when life demands it the most – behind the wheel – there is a serious problem. It is an extremely dangerous habit that has become so ingrained in our minds, we rationalize it as a necessary routine. But in reality, not only is it illegal, it is extremely reckless and careless as well. It is inconsiderate to other motorists, and even yourself and anyone who cares about you.

So what are we supposed to do about it? It all starts with a movement, and all movements start with a choice and an action. Our choice is to not be distracted by our phones while behind the wheel, and our action is giving a thumbs down to those who do. There has never been an easier way to say it, and now that we can, we want to say it loud and clear.

Keep your thumbs down, citizens of Kingsport, and your chances of having a crash will go down also. Join the movement in saying “Thumbs Down to Texting and Driving!”

Pictured left to right in the above photo: Major Jason Bellamy, P.I.O. Tom Patton, Lt. Joe Valentine, Chamber of Commerce President Miles Burdine, City Manager Jeff Fleming, Officer Quinn Shelton, Alderman Tommy Olterman, Captain Mike Roark, Alderman Tom Parham, Chief David Quillin, Officer Matt McGuire, Vice Mayor Mike McIntire, Alderwoman Michele Mitchell, Officer Joey Moody, Sgt. Steve Summey, Officer Nathan Elliott, Sgt. Micah Johnston, Officer Mike Slater
RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

KPD e-News Release: The City of Kingsport Says Thumbs Down to Texting and Driving

kingsport police department logo

 Kingsport Police Department

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660
ThomasMPatton • 423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-224-2786 (FAX)
http://Police.KingsportTN.gov • www.KingsportPDBlog.com
 kingsport police department
NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: The City of Kingsport Says Thumbs Down to Texting and Driving
DATE: April 29, 2016
GENERAL NARRATIVE
April has been Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and while distracted driving awareness, prevention, and enforcement has most certainly been a priority this month, it really needs to a priority every single day. Kingsport Police Officers have seen crashes that resulted from people driving down the road while texting, talking on the phone, eating, adjusting the climate control, tuning the radio, programming the G.P.S., putting on makeup, watching a movie, shaving, reading, and even just engrossed in a conversation with a fellow passenger.

And while many things can distract a driver, texting is arguably one of the worst. Texting takes our eyes, hands, and mind completely off the task of driving. There is a new epidemic these days. Our world has become even more connected than ever before. Communication is instantaneous. Multi-tasking is second-nature. The fear of missing out and missing messages has us on the edge of our seats and the edge of our keyboard, constantly checking, texting, tweeting, posting, and snapping.

Communication is not necessarily a bad thing, but when we are so attracted to our phones that we seem unable to put them down to pay attention when life demands it the most – behind the wheel – there is a serious problem. It is an extremely dangerous habit that has become so ingrained in our minds, we rationalize it as a necessary routine. But in reality, not only is it illegal, it is extremely reckless and careless as well. It is inconsiderate to other motorists, and even yourself and anyone who cares about you.

So what are we supposed to do about it? It all starts with a movement, and all movements start with a choice and an action. Our choice is to not be distracted by our phones while behind the wheel, and our action is giving a thumbs down to those who do. There has never been an easier way to say it, and now that we can, we want to say it loud and clear.

Keep your thumbs down, citizens of Kingsport, and your chances of having a crash will go down also. Join the movement in saying “Thumbs Down to Texting and Driving!”
Thumbs down to texting photo
Pictured left to right in the above photo: Major Jason Bellamy, P.I.O. Tom Patton, Lt. Joe Valentine, Chamber of Commerce President Miles Burdine, City Manager Jeff Fleming, Officer Quinn Shelton, Alderman Tommy Olterman, Captain Mike Roark, Alderman Tom Parham, Chief David Quillin, Officer Matt McGuire, Vice Mayor Mike McIntire, Alderwoman Michele Mitchell, Officer Joey Moody, Sgt. Steve Summey, Officer Nathan Elliott, Sgt. Micah Johnston, Officer Mike Slater
RELEASING OFFICER
kingsport police department Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit
 kingsport police department police cheif

media report 042916

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Kingsport Police Participating in National Prescription Drug Take-Back Initiative

KPD_News_111

KINGSPORT – This coming Saturday, April 30, 2016 is National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.‚  National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is sponsored by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).‚  It aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.

In reality, at the Kingsport Police Department, every day is Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.‚  K.P.D. held their first prescription drug take-back event in 2010, collecting 179 pounds of medications in just a few hours.‚  In 2012 a permanent drop box, dubbed Project Drug Drop Zone, was installed in the lobby of the Justice Center, conveniently located at 200 Shelby Street in Downtown Kingsport.

This box is accessible to the public 24 hours-a-day, 365 days-a-year.‚  To date, the Kingsport Police Department has collected and incinerated over 6,546 pounds (over 3 ‚¼ tons) of leftover, unwanted, or expired medications.‚  The goals of this initiative are to keep drugs off of the street, prevent overdoses and accidental poisonings, and avoid environmental contamination.

Items that can be placed in the box include non-narcotics, narcotics, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, herbals and vitamins, and veterinary medications.‚  Items that should not be placed in the box include needles or sharps, biohazard materials, and illegal drugs.

A map has been included with this release showing the locations of every prescription drug collection site across the State of Tennessee.

For additional information on the various prescription drug take-back programs at the City, County, State, and National level, please visit the following links:

http://police.kingsporttn.gov/Drug_Drop_Box

http://www.scadcoalition.org/medicine-cabinet-inventory

http://www.tn.gov/behavioral-health/article/Prescription-Drug-Take-Back-Boxes

http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/

White-Tailed Deer Jumps Through Window of Downtown Post Office

KPD_News_111

KINGSPORT – On April 26, 2016 at approximately 7:30 PM a Kingsport Police Patrol Officer was leaving the employee parking lot of the Justice Center when he observed a white-tailed deer running along Clay Street.‚  While it is not at all out of the ordinary to see deer in several area neighborhood sub-divisions in Kingsport, it is an extremely uncommon occurrence in the Downtown area.

What was even more unusual was when the deer proceeded to jump completely through an exterior window on the front of the United States Post Office, located at 320 West Center Street.‚  As this occurred after regular business hours, an employee was notified to respond and unlock the building.

When Patrol Officers entered the Post Office, they found extensive property damage where the deer had thrashed around in a panic, attempting to find a way out.‚  The officer who witnessed the event stated that had he not seen it with his own eyes, he would have thought he was walking into a crime scene.

The deer was located inside in the back of the facility in the mail sorting area.‚  Unfortunately, it had sustained a severe laceration from the broken window glass and had to be euthanized.

It was extremely fortunate that this did not occur during regular business hours or an employee or customer could have easily been hurt.‚  Most people consider deer to be relatively gentle creatures, but they are still wild animals and can be extremely unpredictable and even volatile when startled.

A younger officer asked the veteran on-duty Watch Commander, Lieutenant Todd Harrison, if he had ever seen anything like this before.‚  Lt. Harrison replied: In 26 years of doing this job, this is definitely a first.

Link to: City of Kingsport
City of Kingsport, Tennessee