2016 – Page 6 of 17 – Kingsport, TN

KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Police Lieutenant Graduates From Southeastern Leadership Academy

	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:		Kingsport Police Lieutenant Graduates From Southeastern Leadership Academy
DATE:		October 25, 2016

GENERAL NARRATIVE
On October 21, 2016 Kingsport Police Department Lieutenant Sean Chambers graduated from the Southeastern Leadership Academy (SELA) in Chattanooga, TN. SELA is part of the University of Tennessee’s Law Enforcement Innovation Center (LEIC) Institute for Public Service. The five week academy included interactive instruction from top law enforcement personnel. Each week focused around themed lessons which included 1) Foundations of Leadership/Leading Others, 2) Leadership Skills, 3) Building External Relationships, 4) Employee/Internal Matters, and 5) Critical Issues. The academy, which is targeted toward middle management, challenged participants to develop their leadership styles in order to become more effective and progressive leaders. Rather than five consecutive weeks, SELA is held one week a month over the course of five months. This training format assists law enforcement agencies in staffing by not having personnel absent for an extended period of time. It also aids the attendees in their ability to maintain a family life, as many of them have other commitments that would not allow them to be absent for extended periods. SELA is funded under an agreement with the State of Tennessee, Department of Finance and Administration, Office of Criminal Justice Programs and is supported by Award #23123, awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, United States Department of Justice (USDOJ). Lieutenant Chambers received his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from East Tennessee State University. He initially joined the Kingsport Police Department in 1993 as a Corrections Officer, and he was sworn in as a Police Officer the following year. He has served the department in a variety of roles, including Patrol Officer, Community Police, Vice Detective, and as Director of the 2nd Judicial District Drug Task Force. He rose through the ranks while on Patrol, where he served as a Watch Commander. He was promoted to Lieutenant in February of 2013 and currently serves as the Criminal Investigations Division Commander.

RELEASING OFFICER

Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

October 25, 2016

KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Police Offer Suggestions for a Safer Halloween Experience

Police Blog, Police Department

	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:		Kingsport Police Offer Suggestions for a Safer Halloween Experience
DATE:		October 24, 2016

GENERAL NARRATIVE
With Halloween just a week away, the Kingsport Police Department would like to offer some suggestions to potentially afford area residents a safer and more peaceful haunted holiday experience. K.P.D. Patrol Officers will be keeping an eye out on Halloween for anyone with mischief on their minds. Several laws and ordinances that are in force year around are particularly applicable to Halloween. Citizens are reminded that even on Halloween, it is unlawful in the City of Kingsport for anyone 16 years of age or older to wear a mask in public. Parents are urged to remind their teenagers that the State laws prohibiting vandalism also apply to juvenile acts such as rolling yards with toilet paper or throwing eggs at parked cars or houses. Even if no permanent damage is done, it is still considered criminal vandalism if the act causes the property owner an inconvenience by having to clean it up. It is also both illegal and extremely dangerous to throw any object at a moving vehicle. And those pranksters out there who find humor in frightening other people are urged to use some common sense and not take it too far. Remember that it is considered a criminal assault to intentionally or knowingly cause another person to reasonably fear imminent bodily injury or death. This typically would not apply if someone were to attend a haunted house or the like on their own volition. When it comes to candy collecting children, the Kingsport Police Department is a strong advocate of the “Trunk or Treat” and “Fall Festival” concepts as safer alternatives to traditional door-to-door Trick or Treating. Rather than having costumed kids wandering along dark neighborhood streets, knocking on the doors of complete strangers, Trunk or Treat and Fall Festival events are typically held in cordoned off and well-lit parking lots or enclosed venues and are sponsored by reputable business, churches, or other community organizations. Furthermore, most of these events also include food, games, activities, and/or costume contests. There will be several Trunk or Treats and Fall Festivals taking place throughout the Kingsport area in the coming days, giving kids multiple opportunities to sport their costumes and collect goodies. With that being said, on Monday, October 31, 2016, traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating is certainly an option. For those choosing this historically popular activity, the Kingsport Police Department offers the following tips: Walk Safely ● Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. ● Look left, right, and left again when crossing, and keep looking as you cross. ● Put electronic devices down and keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street. ● Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them. ● Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. Children should walk on direct routes with the fewest street crossings. ● Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars. Trick or Treat With an Adult ● Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, they should stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups. Keep Costumes Both Creative and Safe ● Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors. ● Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision. ● Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers. ● When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls. Drive Extra Safely on Halloween ● Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways. ● Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs. ● Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully. ● Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings. ● Drive slowly, anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic and turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances. ● Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. so be especially alert for kids during those hours. Inspect Candy Before Eating ● Don’t snack! Save the treats until you get home and can inspect the candy for loose or torn wrappers. Be cautious about keeping goodies that might pose as a choking hazard.

RELEASING OFFICER

Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

October 24, 2016

KPD e-News Release: The City of Kingsport is Currently Accepting Applications for Police Officer (Final Notice)

Police Blog, Police Department

	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 is Currently Accepting Applications for Police Officer (Final Notice)
DATE:		October 24, 2016

GENERAL NARRATIVE
REMINDER: This is the final week to apply. The application deadline is this coming Sunday, October 30, 2016. As previously released: The City of Kingsport Human Resources Department is currently accepting applications for the position of Police Officer. Applications will be accepted beginning October 1, 2016 until October 30, 2016. Individuals 18 years of age or older who are interested in a career in law enforcement are encouraged to apply. Applicants are asked to only submit their application once, as weeding out duplicate applications hampers efficiency. All applications must be submitted online using the following link: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/kingsport Following the October 30th deadline, all applicants will receive a confirmation email, as well as a letter by traditional mail, containing further instructions regarding the upcoming police applicant testing procedures. All applicants will undergo a series of assessments, beginning with a written examination on November 15, 2016. Applicants who successfully pass the written examination will advance forward to a physical agility evaluation and ultimately to a series of interviews. The Kingsport Police Department is hoping to hire at least eight new officers out of this testing process to fill existing vacancies. The current starting salary for Police Officer Trainee is $15.76 per hour or $32,791 annually. Applicants who are already certified law enforcement officers may be eligible for a salary adjustment to compensate for prior experience if certain criteria are met. Academy training and all essential equipment including uniforms, firearms, body armor, and duty gear are provided by the department. K.P.D. also issues take-home police cruisers to officers meeting specific residency requirements. City of Kingsport employee benefits include direct payroll deposit; paid vacation, holiday, and sick leave; employee life insurance; optional supplemental and dependent life insurance; long-term disability; health insurance; optional dental insurance; flexible spending accounts; ICMA RC 401 retirement; and optional ICMA RC 457 retirement. For additional information regarding the application process, please call the City of Kingsport Human Resources Department at 423-229-9401. For additional information regarding a law enforcement career at the Kingsport Police Department, please call the K.P.D. Public Information Officer at 423-229-9433.

RELEASING OFFICER

Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

October 24, 2016

Highlighting Heroes: Firefighter Bill Donoho

City News

Bill Donoho has been working for the City of Kingsport for 27 years. Donoho is a fireman, engineer, and paramedic. At a young age, Donoho was inspired to become a firefighter by his father, who helped start the first responder program in the state of Tennessee. Donoho got involved with the medical side, started taking fire training classes, and fell in love with the job.

Donoho risks his safety every day, but still has a strong love for his job. “My favorite part of the job is to be able to help people in need,” stated Donoho in a recent interview. While the scariest part, according to him, is most obviously going into a fire, but maybe not for the obvious reason. He described going into an active fire as nerve-racking because “you never know what is going to happen, you don’t know what’s there. Most of the time it’s like running in with blinders on. You never know what you’re going to run into.” Donoho states he’s had many close calls while on the job, and has even fallen through floorboards and had debris fall on top of him. Donoho, however, just considers this all part of his job, and easily accepts these risks every day that he goes to work.

While he enjoys his work, certain parts are harder than others. Donoho describes the toughest part of his job as the physical and mental fitness required to deal with the job itself. Firemen need to maintain their physical fitness to be able to do their job, but according to Donoho, the mental fitness aspect is even harder. He stated that, for many, the job doesn’t stop when they leave the station; many firefighters take the job home with them. Being a fireman requires not just physical strength, but mental strength as well.

Bill Donoho is a firefighter, engineer, and paramedic for the City of Kingsport, and he is a true hero within his community. Donoho works hard both on and off the clock to help make Kingsport a better, safer place. He not only values his job, but believes in the difference he is making to improve his community and to help those in need.

October 24, 2016

Sparky the Fire Dog

City News

Sparky is Kingsport Fire Department’s robotic interactive tool for teaching fire and safety awareness. He’s been helping Public Information Officer Barry Brickey spread the word about fire safety to local schools, senior centers and community events.

Recently, Domtar donated $12,000 to the KFD to purchase a new Sparky! The new Sparky is an updated model of the previous one with one exception – he was painted to match the new ladder truck being debuted in January!

October 24, 2016

Every smoke alarm has an expiration date: What’s yours?

City News

The Kingsport Fire Department (KFD) urges all residents to know how old their smoke alarms are and to replace them every 10 years.

Does your home have a smoke alarm? According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the answer is likely yes. NFPA research shows that most American homes have at least one. But do you know how old your smoke alarms are? If you’re like most people, you’re probably not so sure.

A recent survey conducted by NFPA revealed that only a small percentage of people know how old their smoke alarms are or how often they need to be replaced. That lack of awareness is a concern for the Kingsport Fire Department and NFPA, along with fire departments throughout the country, because smoke alarms don’t last forever.

“Time and again, I’ve seen the life-saving impact smoke alarms can have in a home fire, but I’ve also seen the tragedy that can result when smoke alarms aren’t working properly,” says Barry Brickey, public education officer of the Kingsport Fire Department. “It’s why we’re making a concerted effort to educate residents about the overall importance of smoke alarms, and that they do have a life limit.”

NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code®, requires smoke alarms be replaced at least every 10 years, but because the public is generally unaware of this requirement, many homes have smoke alarms past their expiration date, putting people at increased risk.

In Tennessee, landlords are required to provide working smoke alarms for their rental apartments and homes. If you are a landlord, replace the alarms in your properties every 10 years to protect your renters and your property.

To find out how old your smoke alarm is and its expiration date, simply look on the back of the alarm where the date of manufacture is marked. The smoke alarm should be replaced 10 years from that date (not the date of purchase). The KFD also says smoke alarms should be tested monthly, and that batteries should be replaced once a year or when they begin to chirp, signaling that they’re running low.

Fire Prevention Week’s theme this year is ‘Don’t Wait: Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years.’ The KFD encourages residents and landlords to check their alarms and replace any over 10 years old. Fire prevention is so important here in Kingsport that we stretch it out the entire month of October!

The Kingsport Fire Department is hosting public events, station tours, and school visits in support of Fire Prevention Week/Month.

For more information on smoke alarms, events, and this year’s Fire Prevention Week/Month campaign, visit www.firepreventionweek.org.

October 24, 2016

The History of the Kingsport Fire Department

City News

The Kingsport Fire Department was organized June 23, 1916 as a self-supporting volunteer organization consisting of 48 men divided among four companies. Their gear consisted of four hand-drawn hose reels, 2,000 feet of hose, one hand-drawn hook and ladder truck, (which had one 20ft and one 30ft ladder an 18ft wall ladder, and axes, poles, and lanterns), six nozzles, and one hand-drawn chemical engine with two 35-gallon chemical tanks. Fire alarms were sounded by a wildcat whistle at the Extract Plant, one of the industries located in the heart of Kingsport.

The City of Kingsport assumed financial responsibility of the department when it was incorporated in 1917. The first pumper truck, purchased in 1917, is still owned by the department and is currently displayed at Station Two on Fort henry Drive in an outdoor showroom. The department started operating under the leadership of Chief Tom Warrick. They responded to calls with one paid driver until 1930, when four paid firefighters and the second pumper truck were added to the force. The department has grown substantially, with 118 full time firefighters currently employed working out of eight fire stations.

The Kingsport Fire Department was re-accredited in 2012 by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International. All suppression personnel are certified by the Tennessee Commission on Firefighting Standards to the highest level available and are licensed by the State as Paramedics or EMT. All personnel in the Fire Marshall’s Office are certified through the State Fire Marshall’s Office. The Kingsport Fire Department dedicate themselves to continue to work and train to be a premier department in the State of Tennessee.

Kingsport’s First Fire Station

October 24, 2016

KPD e-News Release: (UPDATE ON PERSON OF INTEREST) K.P.D. Searching for Suspect in Theft and Fraudulent Use of Company Credit Card

Police Blog, Police Department

	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:		(UPDATE ON PERSON OF INTEREST) K.P.D. Searching for Suspect in Theft and Fraudulent Use of Company Credit Card
DATE:		October 21, 2016
CASE #:		16-020488 (Theft of Credit Card) 16-020513 (Fraudulent Use of CC at Sonic) 16-020515 (Fraudulent Use of CC at Quality Plus)

GENERAL NARRATIVE
On October 20, 2016, the Kingsport Police Department released a photograph of a person of interest in the theft and fraudulent use of a credit card. The woman shown has since been positively identified after voluntary coming forward and has been cleared of any wrongdoing. Again, she is no longer considered a suspect. Her photograph has been removed from all K.P.D. social media applications, and representatives from traditional media outlets in the area are asked to do likewise. This case remains an open active investigation by the K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division with the suspect currently unknown. Anyone who has any information which may assist detectives with this investigation is asked to contact the K.P.D Criminal Investigations Division at 423-229-9429 or call Kingsport Central Dispatch at 423-246-9111. Alternatively, if an individual who is able to supply information related to this or any other case wishes not to be identified, tips can be submitted anonymously via online “Citizen Feedback” forms available at the following link: https://www.kingsporttn.gov/city-services/police-department/contact-us As previously released: On September 2, 2016, an employee of Eastman Chemical Company discovered that two different company credit cards had been stolen from her desk drawer. She realized that the cards were missing after finding fraudulent transactions listed on a monthly credit card statement. On August 29, 2016, one of the cards was used to conduct fraudulent transactions at two different Kingsport businesses to include a purchase of $1.30 at Sonic, located at 3845 Fort Henry Drive, and a purchase of $38.16 at Quality Plus Gas, located at 841 East Stone Drive. A third fraudulent transaction was conducted at a Roadrunner Market in Gray, TN with a parallel investigation ongoing by law enforcement of that jurisdiction. A white female suspect was captured on surveillance video during one of the transactions with a photograph taken from that footage included in this release. Anyone who recognizes her is asked to contact Detectives in the K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division at 423-229-9429 or call Kingsport Central Dispatch at 423-246-9111. Alternatively, if an individual who is able to supply information related to this or any other case wishes not to be identified, tips can be submitted anonymously via online “Citizen Feedback” forms available at the following link: https://www.kingsporttn.gov/city-services/police-department/contact-us

RELEASING OFFICER

Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

October 21, 2016

KPD e-News Release: K.P.D. Searching for Female Suspect in Theft and Fraudulent Use of Company Credit Card

Police Blog, Police Department

	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:		K.P.D. Searching for Female Suspect in Theft and Fraudulent Use of Company Credit Card
DATE:		October 20, 2016
CASE #:		16-020488 (Theft of Credit Card) 16-020513 (Fraudulent Use of CC at Sonic) 16-020515 (Fraudulent Use of CC at Quality Plus)

GENERAL NARRATIVE
On September 2, 2016, an employee of Eastman Chemical Company discovered that two different company credit cards had been stolen from her desk drawer. She realized that the cards were missing after finding fraudulent transactions listed on a monthly credit card statement. On August 29, 2016, one of the cards was used to conduct fraudulent transactions at two different Kingsport businesses to include a purchase of $1.30 at Sonic, located at 3845 Fort Henry Drive, and a purchase of $38.16 at Quality Plus Gas, located at 841 East Stone Drive. A third fraudulent transaction was conducted at a Roadrunner Market in Gray, TN with a parallel investigation ongoing by law enforcement of that jurisdiction. A white female suspect was captured on surveillance video during one of the transactions with a photograph taken from that footage included in this release. Anyone who recognizes her is asked to contact Detectives in the K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division at 423-229-9429 or call Kingsport Central Dispatch at 423-246-9111. Alternatively, if an individual who is able to supply information related to this or any other case wishes not to be identified, tips can be submitted anonymously via online “Citizen Feedback” forms available at the following link: https://www.kingsporttn.gov/city-services/police-department/contact-us

RELEASING OFFICER

Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

October 21, 2016

KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Police Hold Retirement Party for K-9 Axyl

Police Blog, Police Department

	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:		Kingsport Police Hold Retirement Party for K-9 Axyl
DATE:		October 19, 2016

GENERAL NARRATIVE
On October 19, 2016 at 2:00 PM, the Kingsport Police Department held a retirement party for K-9 Axyl. Axyl is retiring from active law enforcement duty after eight years of loyal and dedicated service to the K.P.D. K-9 Unit from 2008—2016. Axyl has been assigned as a partner to his handler, Officer Brian Taylor. A veteran K-9 Handler, Officer Taylor joined the Kingsport Police Department in 1990 and has been assigned to the K-9 Unit since 2004, having previously been partnered with K-9 Zak. Upon his retirement, Axyl will live out his remaining years, likely in a more relaxed style, at the home of Officer Taylor. Axyl is a nine year old German Shepherd/Belgian Malinois cross and was purchased from Shallow Creek Kennels in Pennsylvania. Shortly after being acquired by K.P.D., Axyl and Officer Taylor attended a 14-week Dual Purpose Basic Police Dog Handler School conducted by the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office. During the school, they received instruction in Criminal Apprehension, Tracking, Evidence Recovery, Obedience, Agility, and Explosives Detection. As a team, Axyl and Officer Taylor maintained annual certification through the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) and the North American Police Working Dog Association (NAPWDA). During his career, Axyl conducted numerous explosives checks at a variety of locations to include Bristol Motor Speedway, Kingsport’s annual Fun Fest, former President George W. Bush’s airplane, Tri Cities Airport, both the Kingsport and Hawkins County Justice Centers, and numerous area schools and businesses. The Kingsport Police Department is home to the second oldest K-9 Unit in the State of Tennessee and has three other dog/handler teams to include Officer Billy Boyd and K-9 Reko, Officer David Johnson and K-9 Nim, and Officer Ken Jackson and K-9 Roi. After dedicating 12 years of his law enforcement career to the K-9 Unit, Officer Taylor will be leaving the K-9 Unit, but he will remain with the Kingsport Police Department in another assignment. K.P.D. is in the process of selecting a new K-9 to replace Axyl as well as a new handler to serve alongside him in the K-9 Unit.