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KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Detectives Investigating Discovery of Human Remains

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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 Detectives Investigating Discovery of Human Remains
DATE: October 19, 2016
CASE #: 16-022641
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On October 18, 2016 at approximately 6:45 PM, the Kingsport Police Department was alerted to a discovery of human remains. The remains were happened upon by a hiker and were located in a wooded area along the South Fork Holston River Sluice, adjacent to Riverport Road in Kingsport.

Due to the advanced state of decomposition, the remains will be sent to the Medical Examiner’s office at E.T.S.U.’s Quillen College of Medicine for positive identification and cause of death determination.

The K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division continues to look into the matter; however, due to the active nature of the investigation, and many questions remaining unanswered, no additional details will be released at this time.
RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

Highlighting Heroes - Bill Donoho

Bill Donoho

Highlighting Heroes - Bill Donoho

Kingsport Firefighter Follows In Father’s Footsteps

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.

KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Police Investigating Missing Person Complaint

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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 Investigating Missing Person Complaint
DATE: October 18, 2016
CASE #: 16-021640
GENERAL NARRATIVE
The Kingsport Police Department is investigating a missing Jonesborough man who was last seen in Kingsport. Johnny Rae Linebaugh was reported missing by his mother on October 6, 2016; however, she has had no contact with him since August 30, 2016.

He was last seen at the John R. Hay House, located at 427 East Sullivan Street in Kingsport, where he was temporarily residing. His mother said that it is very out of character for her son to go this long without communicating with her, so she is naturally concerned for his well-being.

Mr. Linebaugh is a 34 year old white male adult. He is 5 feet 9 inches tall with a medium build and weighs approximately 230 pounds. He has short brown hair with a receding hair line and hazel eyes.

A photograph of Mr. Linebaugh has been included in this release. Anyone who may know his current whereabouts 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
MISSING PERSON INFORMATION
Name Johnny Rae Linebaugh
Age 34 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/White
Residency Jonesborough, TN
Hair/

Eyes

 Short Brown Hair with Receding Hair Line/

Hazel Eyes
Height/

Weight/

Build

 5 feet 9 inches

230 Pounds

Medium Build

RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

KPD e-News Release: The City of Kingsport is Currently Accepting Applications for Police Officer (3rd Notice)

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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 (3rd Notice)
DATE: October 17, 2016
GENERAL NARRATIVE
UPDATE: There are only two weeks remaining to apply.

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

KPD e-News Release: Combative Hospital Patient Charged With Six Counts of Aggravated Assault

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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: Combative Hospital Patient Charged With Six Counts of Aggravated Assault
DATE: October 17, 2016
CASE #: 16-022461
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On October 16, 2016 at approximately 3:30 PM, a Kingsport Police Patrol Officer was called to the Holston Valley Medical Center Emergency Room, located at 130 West Ravine Road in Kingsport, in reference to a patient causing a disturbance. Upon arrival, two E.R. personnel and three Holston Valley security guards were standing outside a treatment room occupied by Daniel R. Jennings.

A nurse told the officer that Mr. Jennings had been disruptive and uncooperative, and once she was able to obtain a urine sample he would be discharged. When the nurse entered the room to collect the sample, Mr. Jennings took an aggressive fighting stance, raised both fists, and threatened to assault her. In response, the K.P.D. Patrol Officer entered the room.

Upon seeing the officer, Mr. Jennings turned his aggression toward him, clinched his fists, and began yelling and cursing him with profanity. When the officer attempted to take him into custody for assault, Mr. Jennings resisted, and a struggle ensued. At some point during the struggle, Mr. Jennings was able to gain control of a Taser electrical weapon carried by one of the security guards.

Mr. Jennings began waving the Taser around in a threatening manner in the direction of six different people in the room. The officer and the security guards were eventually able to subdue Mr. Jennings, disarm him of the Taser, and place him in handcuffs.

Mr. Jennings was arrested for six counts of Aggravated Assault and Resisting Arrest. He was discharged from the hospital, transported to the Kingsport City Jail for processing, and then forwarded to the Sullivan County Jail in Blountville for confinement pending arraignment.
SUSPECT INFORMATION
Name Daniel R. Jennings
Age Date of Birth 3/10/1977

39 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/White
Residency 651 Dale Street

Lee Apartments #6

Kingsport, TN
Charge(s) 1) Aggravated Assault (6 Counts)

2) Resisting Arrest

RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

Kingsport has joined the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities

In September, Kingsport was named one of only 121 communities in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities in the US. To receive this recognition, Kingsport had to demonstrate its adaptability to an aging US population. Features such as walkable streets, better housing and transportation and the opportunity for residents to participate in community activities are just a few examples of why Kingsport is a great place for aging residents.

Being a member of the Network of Age-Friendly Communities means Kingsport’s elected leadership has made the commitment to work toward making their community a great place for people of all ages.

“I am proud that Kingsport is the first city in Tennessee to become a part of the Network of Age Friendly Communities,” said National Volunteer Director of AARP Margot Seay. “It shows our great community spirit and will support the initiatives of ONEKingsport.”

According to AARP, the Network of Age-Friendly Communities encourages states, cities, towns and rural areas to prepare for the rapid aging of the U.S. population by paying increased attention to the environmental, economic and social factors that influence the health and well-being of older adults.

“Our livable community continues to create and promote a healthy environment and sustain economic growth to help people of all ages become happier residents,” said Lara Potter, the associate director of Kingsport Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Move to Kingsport has revived the idea of becoming an age-friendly community and has taken the initiative to better Kingsport, not just for the aging population, but for all residents.

In 2009, AARP conducted a Livability Community Survey in Kingsport. With help from Dr. Kathleen Beine, longtime advocate, the survey was a huge success with a 43.6 percent response rate. The overall results from the data showed the median lengthy of residency in Kingsport is 43 years and nearly half of the respondents have lived here over 35 years. Residents felt satisfied with their communities and think Kingsport is a good place for older to adults to live.

For more information on the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities, please visit www.aarp.com.

KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Central Dispatch Personnel Continue to Excel and Impress

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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 Central Dispatch Personnel Continue to Excel and Impress
DATE: October 13, 2016
GENERAL NARRATIVE
The Kingsport Police Department recently reported that three employees of Kingsport Central Dispatch had achieved their Emergency Number Professional (ENP) Certification. Since that time, another Kingsport Central Dispatch employee has achieved this certification.

Just last week, Richie Hite, Technical Services Coordinator, successfully completed his ENP examination, making him the fourth Kingsport Central Dispatch employee to receive this esteemed designation. The Kingsport Police Department would like to take this opportunity to highlight Richie’s achievement, thank him for his service, and congratulate him on a job well done.

In order to be certified as an ENP, applicants must first meet eligibility requirements that include a combination of experience, education, and professional development in the 9-1-1 field. Candidates then must pass a rigorous examination that demonstrates a mastery of the comprehensive knowledge base required of emergency number program management.

The ENP program was established by the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) in 1994 as a way to establish a benchmark of performance for professionals in the 9-1-1 field. There are currently 1,122 ENPs in the United States, but only 48 in the State of Tennessee, 4 of whom are employed by Kingsport Central Dispatch.

As previously released:

Three employees of Kingsport Central Dispatch have recently received State and National recognition for their exemplary performance as 9-1-1 professionals. The Kingsport Police Department would like to take this opportunity to highlight their achievements, thank them for their service, and congratulate them on a job well done.

On September 20, 2016 Nancy Fender, Communications Dispatch Supervisor, was named “Dispatch Supervisor of the Year” by the Tennessee Emergency Numbers Association (TENA) at their annual conference held in Chattanooga, TN. Employed by Kingsport Central Dispatch since 1988, she has also been certified by the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) as an Emergency Number Professional (ENP) since 2013.

In addition to Ms. Fender, two other employees of Kingsport Central Dispatch have recently achieved their ENP Certification. Catherine Matt, Communications Specialist, and Christy Swiney, Communications Shift Leader, both achieved their ENP Certification in August 2016. Ms. Matt has been employed by Kingsport Central Dispatch since 2000 and Swiney since 2005.

In order to be certified as an ENP, applicants must first meet eligibility requirements that include a combination of experience, education, and professional development in the 9-1-1 field. Candidates then must pass a rigorous examination that demonstrates a mastery of the comprehensive knowledge base required of emergency number program management.

“By achieving this certification, these ladies have distinguished themselves as leaders within the 9-1-1 field and displayed their commitment to the citizens of the Kingsport Emergency Communications District and to their chosen profession,” said Lieutenant Steve Hammonds, Executive Director of Kingsport 9-1-1.

The ENP program was established by NENA in 1994 as a way to establish a benchmark of performance for professionals in the 9-1-1 field. There are currently 1,121 ENPs in the United States, but only 47 in the State of Tennessee, 3 of whom are employed by Kingsport Central Dispatch.

Kingsport Central Dispatch moved into the new 7,500 square foot, state-of-the-art, 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Center in Downtown Kingsport in October 2015. Central Dispatch had previously been housed in a cramped 1,000 square foot space on the second floor of the Kingsport Justice Center since 1989. Prior to that, Central Dispatch operated out of the basement of the Civic Auditorium.

Kingsport Central Dispatch personnel include the 9-1-1 Director, a Communications Supervisor, a Technical Services Coordinator, 4 Shift Leaders, and more than a dozen Communications Specialists. Collectively, the employees of Kingsport Central Dispatch handle roughly a quarter of a million phone calls each year, nearly 50,000 of which are emergency calls to 9-1-1.

Over the past 20 years, Kingsport Central Dispatch has only increased the number of Communications Specialists from 14 to 16. Meanwhile, the number of citizens calls for Police, Fire, and E.M.S. service and the population, square miles, and road miles of the City of Kingsport have all increased exponentially. This exemplifies true dedication to public safety by continuing to provide excellent 9-1-1 service in the face of significantly increased work volume.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY NUMBER ASSOCIATION: NENA serves its members and the greater public safety community as the only professional organization solely focused on 9-1-1 policy, technology, operations, and education issues. With more than 10,000 members in 48 chapters across the United States and around the globe, NENA promotes the implementation and awareness of 9-1-1, as well as international three-digit emergency communications systems.

Pictured left to right above: Richie Hite (Technical Services Coordinator), Nancy Fender (Communications Dispatch Supervisor), Catherine Matt (Communications Specialist), and Christy Swiney (Communications Shift Leader)
RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

laptop computer

The City of Kingsport Launches New Website

If you’ve been to the KingsportTN.gov page recently, don’t refresh the page – the City of Kingsport has launched its new website. It contains useful and up-to-date information, provides a better resource to gain information about the city and is easier to navigate for residents.

The city is excited to launch its new website. Planning for the new site began in mid-April, with the goal of being practical and user friendly. TheNet360 gathered content from the old site and helped to shape the new site with current technology and creative design. Visitors will notice new content, new photos, better navigation and even new features.

MyKingsport

The MyKingsport function, located on the homepage, is one that will serve to answer many common questions that residents may have. For example, the city public works department receives many calls regarding garbage pick-up. When a resident types in their address in the MyKingsport search bar, predictive search will filter out addresses until the resident sees their current address. Once the current address is found, the information displayed will be when their trash, recycle and brush pickup days are, closest emergency services (police, fire, ems), what neighborhood they’re located in and which school district.

 Predictive Search

The homepage is clean and simple, and houses the smartest feature of the new website. When visitors don’t want to have to search for the information they’re after, they will simply have to type it into the predictive search bar. Backed by artificial intelligence, this search bar relies on key words provided from each department to help visitors get to their needed information even quicker. For example, if you search for ‘pay,’ the search bar gives you two options, ‘pay my water (utility) bill and ‘pay my red light citation.’ Each of the link options, for any given search term, takes the visitor to the respective page.

YourGov

YourGov is a reporting system that stems from the Cartegraph program used by the city. It will allow residents to report non-emergency issues, such as a tree down, minor water leak, water hydrant issue or a pothole. If the YourGov app is downloaded onto a smart phone, users have the ability to take a picture of the issue and submit that along with the relevant information.

Earlier this year, the City of Kingsport Public Works Department received an efficiency award from Cartegraph. Public Works uses the data gathered from app submissions to help guide and plan department projects. The YourGov reporting system will automatically input the data from residents into the Cartegraph system.

To download the YourGov app, visit kingsporttn.gov and click on the YourGov icon. In that tab, you’ll find a link to the App Store for iPhones and a link to Google Market for android phones.

PayOnline

While residents could pay their water bill online with the old website, the new site makes accessing the payment portal much easier. Located on the homepage, residents are able to click on one of three options – pay utility bill, pay red light citation, pay other receivables – and will be redirected to the correct payment portal. Over time, the hope is that residents could pay more city bills online, such as property taxes.

Livestreaming

Many residents are interested in the Board of Mayor and Aldermen (BMA) meetings, but are unable to attend or watch the meetings on TV. With the new website, the city is proud to launch livestreaming starting October 18. On the evenings of BMA meetings, viewers can click on the TV icon in the top right corner of the homepage to open livestreaming.

Photography

Visual aspects of a website are incredibly important. Not only does the site have a more visual appeal, but local photographers such as Jay Huron, Jeffrey Stoner, Matt Hale and Chris Alley, agreed to allow their images to be used within the site. We encouraged local photography to showcase how great Kingsport is. Our hope is that more local photographers will want to share their images with the city and have them displayed on the site. If you’re interested in having your photos used on the site, please contact Adrienne Batara at 423-343-9791 or email adriennebatara@kingsporttn.gov.

Responsive Website

It’s no surprise that the majority of websites are visited via the screen of a smart phone. The previous city website was not mobile friendly. The new site, however, is built to be mobile responsive. This means that no matter what size screen you view the site on, such as a smart phone, tablet, or mini iPad, the site content adjusts to fit to the screen size.

Site visitors will also find other useful information, such as current city news, open job positions and the Board of Mayor and Alderman. For individuals who are interested in starting a business in Kingsport, the ‘Businesses’ tab holds all related information from the Kingsport Profile to the different applications and requirements.

As with any new website, it is always evolving and will be continuously improved. We’ll be adding more content weekly and have exciting plans for the continued growth of the site. We envision this becoming a “city hub” for information for residents and visitors alike — the first stop for anyone interested in learning more about our great community.

KPD e-News Release: The City of Kingsport is Currently Accepting Applications for Police Officer (2nd Notice)

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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 (2nd Notice)
DATE: October 11, 2016
GENERAL NARRATIVE
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

KPD e-News Release: Interstate 26 Back Open for Traffic

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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: Interstate 26 Back Open for Traffic
DATE: October 11, 2016
GENERAL NARRATIVE
Effective October 11, 2016 at approximately 8:15 AM, all lanes of Interstate 26 in Kingsport are back open, and normal traffic patterns will resume. The Kingsport Police Department thanks area motorists for their patience during this untimely delay.

As previously released:

Effective October 11, 2016 at approximately 7:00 AM, all westbound lanes of Interstate 26 are temporarily shut down at mile marker 3. This closure comes as a result of a 3-car motor vehicle collision. One person has been transported (non-emergency) to an area medical facility for evaluation. Wreckers have been called, but until their arrival, traffic is at a standstill. Motorists are asked to please be patient and avoid the area if at all possible.
RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

Link to: City of Kingsport
City of Kingsport, Tennessee