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KPD e-News Release: Local Veterinarian Honored for His Service to the K.P.D. K-9 Unit

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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: Local Veterinarian Honored for His Service to the K.P.D. K-9 Unit
DATE: January 18, 2017
GENERAL NARRATIVE
Established in 1969, the Kingsport Police Department K-9 Unit is the second oldest Police K-9 Unit in the State of Tennessee. Chief of Police David Quillin, a former K-9 handler himself, is often heard reminiscing about his days serving in the K-9 Unit in the late 1980s to early 1990s with his partner Wolf, calling them one of the highlights of his law enforcement career. During his time at K.P.D. prior to being elected as Sullivan County Sheriff, Wayne Anderson also served extensively in the K.P.D. K-9 Unit alongside partners Whitey, Major, Betsy, and Ike.

All of K.P.D.’s current K-9s are considered dual-purpose dogs, meaning that they are cross-trained in both Patrol (apprehension, tracking, article and building search, personal protection, agility, etc.) and Detection (of either narcotics or explosives). Dual-purpose dogs require extensive initial and ongoing training in order to keep their abilities sharp and maintain required certifications. All K.P.D. K-9s and their handlers maintain annual certification through either the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) or the North American Police Working Dog Association (NAPWDA).

Dogs in general are wonderfully loyal creatures, but police dogs in particular are spectacular examples of the species. Everyone (except perhaps the bad guys) loves the police dogs. Children want to pet them, while adults watch in awe as they demonstrate their athletic prowess. And while much is often said regarding their training, abilities, lineage, accomplishments, and even their handlers, the essential and sometimes critical behind the scenes veterinary care that they receive is all too often overlooked.

The Kingsport Police Department recently took steps to correct this oversight. On January 17, 2017 at the regularly scheduled meeting of the Kingsport Board of Mayor and Aldermen, Dr. Michael A. “Andy” Cherry and Cherry Point Animal Hospital were officially given the credit and recognition they have so diligently earned and so rightfully deserve.

Alderman Tom Parham presented Dr. Cherry with a Proclamation and Chief David Quillin presented him with a plaque in honor of the outstanding veterinary care, attention, and support provided to the dogs currently serving actively with the Kingsport Police Department K-9 Unit, as well as several retired dogs, still residing with their former handlers.

For approximately the past five years, Dr. Cherry has truly gone above and beyond, making himself available outside of regular business hours on several occasions. His dedication to the K.P.D. K-9 Unit and the superior level of care provided by Cherry Point Animal Hospital have been nothing short of phenomenal and are greatly appreciated.

Officer David Johnson (former handler of Sinko and current handler of Nim), Officer Ken Jackson (current handler of Roi), Officer Billy Boyd (former handler of Macho and current handler of Reko), Officer Brian Taylor (former handler of both Zak and Axyl), and Sergeant Kevin Hite (former handler of Odus and current K-9 Unit Supervisor and Trainer) were among those also present for Dr. Cherry’s recognition.

Upon the recent retirement of K-9 Axyl, the Kingsport Police Department is currently in the process of selecting and acquiring his replacement. After partnering with two consecutive dogs, Axyl’s former handler, Officer Brian Taylor, has returned to regular duties in the K.P.D. Patrol Division, while Officer Caleb Clawson has been selected to handle the next dog to soon join the ranks of the K.P.D. K-9 Unit.

And finally, a tidbit of K.P.D. historical trivia in honor of the City of Kingsport’s centennial year: The first two dogs to serve in the Kingsport Police Department K-9 Unit in 1969 had rather tough and menacing sounding names…Apache and Satan…and were handled by former Officers Elmer Reed and Glen Shumate respectively.

Pictured left to right in above photograph: Alderman Tom Parham, Officer David Johnson (former handler of Sinko & current handler of Nim), Officer Ken Jackson (current handler of Roi), Dr. Andy Cherry, Officer Billy Boyd (former handler of Macho & current handler of Reko), Officer Brian Taylor (former handler of both Zak and Axyl), Officer Caleb Clawson (future handler of the next K.P.D. K-9 to be acquired), Chief David Quillin (former handler of Wolf), Sgt. Kevin Hite (former handler of Odus and current K-9 Unit Supervisor and Trainer)
RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

Excellence Becoming the Standard for Kingsport’s Finance Staff

For the 16th year, the City of Kingsport’s finance staff brings home the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, awarded this year for the FY2015 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). Given by the Government Finance Officers Association, this makes Kingsport one of only 8% of government organizations to receive this prestigious award.

A CAFR is a detailed review of city government including schools from a financial perspective. It covers thirty-six separate funds and all manner of financial issues from debt to assets.

Another long-standing achievement is a clean or unmodified opinion. The city once again received a clean opinion on the Fiscal Year 2016 CAFR, the highest opinion a CPA firm can issue. This is the 18th year in a row receiving the highest opinion.

Last year, a material weakness was cited as the city was not closing capital projects fast enough after completion. The city has made progress in that area and now that deficiency has been removed.

This year, the auditors found only one material weakness. The city failed to properly identify expenses related to a federal grant. Even with the complexity of federal grants, the city has already rectified this matter. Although not recording the grant revenue in the correct year is a material weakness, the city was never at risk of losing the grant money. It was a timing issue whether the revenue was recorded in FY2016 when earned or FY2017 when received.

Also the auditors found only one compliance finding. Kingsport City Schools (KCS) failed to properly classify between free and reduced meals. KCS responded by doing an internal review. They manually calculated 500 applications and did not find any that had been calculated incorrectly. They believe this to be an isolated incident.

The Audit Committee Chair and Vice Mayor Mike McIntire noted that the audit was “exceptional” considering we only encountered two minor issues that were easily corrected.

S&P reaffirmed the City’s AA bond rating, and more importantly, received an upgrade of financial management assessment from “good” to “strong” due to financial management policies put in place by the BMA. The BMA adopted a financial management and fund balance policy. They also made progress on replenishing the “rainy day” fund over the past two years.

“Our staff deserves a tremendous amount of praise, because they are doing an excellent job of maintaining consistent reporting at the highest level,” said City Manager Jeff Fleming. “A special thank you to Jim Demming, Judy Smith, Lisa Winkle and Sid Cox for their diligence.”

KPD e-News Release: K.P.D. Searching for Two Female Suspects in Quasi Home Invasion Type Robbery

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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: K.P.D. Searching for Two Female Suspects in Quasi Home Invasion Type Robbery
DATE: January 13, 2017
CASE #: 17-000597
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On January 10, 2017 at approximately 12:45 AM, Kingsport Police Patrol Officers responded to a quasi home invasion type robbery at Cross Creek Apartments, located at 2601 North John B. Dennis Highway in Kingsport. Upon arrival, the officer spoke with the adult male victim who reported the following:

He was lying in bed when he heard a knock at the door. Upon opening the door, he was approached by two women, previously unknown to him, who strangely claimed that they had been calling him repeatedly on the telephone with no answer. He told them that he had received no such calls and that they apparently had him confused with someone else.

They asked to come inside under the premise of using the restroom to which he consented. They engaged in conversation and ended up staying for about an hour “making small-talk.” All of a sudden, one of the women produced a hand-held stun gun and delivered an unprovoked shock to the victim.

A fight ensued during which the victim punched the woman in self-defense. During the struggle, the other woman was running around the apartment yelling, “Where is his wallet?” The victim ran outside and shouted for someone to call the police. He shut the apartment door, hoping to keep them contained inside until police arrival.

Upon arrival, responding officers discovered that the two suspects had escaped from the apartment through a bedroom window, but not before stealing the victim’s cell phone (Samsung Galaxy S6) and his wallet (containing his credit cards, approximately $150 in cash, and his driver license).

The officers searched the area for the suspects to no avail. They did, however, locate blood both inside and outside of the apartment that is believed to have come from the suspect that the victim punched.

The suspects’ descriptions are as follows:

Suspect #1

White Female

Approximately 25 Years of Age

Approximately 5 feet 9 inches in height

Thin Build

Straight, shoulder-length, blonde hair

Unknown Clothing Description

Suspect #2

White female

Unknown Age

Approximately 5 feet 5 inches in height

Approximately 120 pounds in weight

Straight hair, below shoulder, dyed an unnatural dark red

Wearing a dark colored jacket and carrying a dark blue/green purse

Both suspects were smoking cigarettes. The red-haired suspect is believed to have a fresh facial injury sustained during the incident. They were believed to be traveling in a dark colored, older model, Honda or similarly styled vehicle.

Anyone who has any information which may assist Detectives with developing the identities of the suspects in question 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
RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

KPD e-News Release: I-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: I-26 Back Open for Traffic
DATE: January 13, 2017
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On January 13, 2017 as of approximately 6:00 AM, Interstate 26 westbound at the Rock Springs Road interchange is now back open. All normal traffic patterns will resume.

As previously released:

On January 12, 2017 as of approximately 9:00 PM, the westbound lanes of Interstate 26 at the Rock Springs Road interchange are completely closed and will remain so until further notice to allow for an extensive law enforcement related investigation.

For additional information regarding the surrounding circumstances, please contact the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

KPD e-News Release: Westbound I-26 Closed at Rock Springs Road Until Further Notice for Law Enforcement Investigation

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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: Westbound I-26 Closed at Rock Springs Road Until Further Notice for Law Enforcement Investigation
DATE: January 12, 2017
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On January 12, 2017 as of approximately 9:00 PM, the westbound lanes of Interstate 26 at the Rock Springs Road interchange are completely closed and will remain so until further notice to allow for an extensive law enforcement related investigation.

For additional information regarding the surrounding circumstances, please contact the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

KPD e-News Release: Citizen Tips Expedite Apprehension of McDonald’s Arson Suspect

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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: Citizen Tips Expedite Apprehension of McDonald’s Arson Suspect
DATE: January 12, 2017
CASE #: 16-028260
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On January 12, 2017 at approximately 10:00 AM, the Kingsport Police Department issued a news release requesting public assistance in locating Attempted Aggravated Arson suspect, Amber N. Mazen. Within a few hours, multiple citizen tips were received indicating that Ms. Mazen was hiding at the residence of her mother-in-law, located in the 1500 block of Suncrest Drive in Kingsport.

This information was immediately forwarded to Officers in the K.P.D. Patrol Division, who in turn attempted to serve the warrant. Upon arrival at the residence referenced in the tips, the Officers spoke with Ms. Mazen’s husband who denied that she was there. He did, however, grant consent for the Officers to search the premises leading to her being found cowering under a bed.

She was promptly arrested on the outstanding warrant and transported to the Kingsport City Jail where she remains confined pending arraignment. The Kingsport Police Department would of course like to thank the anonymous citizens who assisted with her timely apprehension.

As previously released:

On December 23, 2016 at approximately 12:30 PM, the Kingsport Fire Department responded to a fire at McDonald’s, located at 1501 Lynn Garden Drive in Kingsport. The fire was immediately traced to the women’s restroom. Firefighters found an unoccupied toilet stall with the door locked from the outside. A sprinkler head was discharging inside the stall. When entry was made into the stall, they located remnants of a trash can that had been on fire but had been successfully extinguished by the sprinkler system.

Clearly suspicious, a joint investigation was launched by arson investigators from both the Kingsport Police Department Criminal Investigations Division and the Kingsport Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Office. A review of video surveillance footage revealed that an employee, Amber N. Mazen was the last person inside the women’s restroom before the fire was discovered by a customer.

On December 29, 2016 Ms. Mazen was interviewed by K.P.D. and K.F.D. arson investigators. During the interview, she corroborated the findings of their investigation that she had lit an item on fire, placed it in the trash can inside the stall, exited the stall deliberately locking the door behind her from the outside, and left the restroom.

A warrant was obtained for Ms. Mazen’s arrest charging her with Attempted Aggravated Arson. Investigators have spoken with her friends and family members about the warrant and are confident that she is aware of the charge against her. It is believed that she is deliberately eluding authorities in an attempt to avoid her inevitable arrest.

A photograph as well as a description of Ms. Mazen are included in this release. Anyone who knows her current whereabouts 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
SUSPECT INFORMATION
Name Amber N. Mazen
Age Date of Birth 10/4/1993

23 Years of Age
Gender/Race Female/White
Last Known Address 306 Delaware Street

Kingsport, TN
Charge(s) Attempted Aggravated Arson

RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

KPD e-News Release: Wanted McDonald’s Arson Suspect Eluding Authorities

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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: Wanted McDonald’s Arson Suspect Eluding Authorities
DATE: January 12, 2017
CASE #: 16-028260
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On December 23, 2016 at approximately 12:30 PM, the Kingsport Fire Department responded to a fire at McDonald’s, located at 1501 Lynn Garden Drive in Kingsport. The fire was immediately traced to the women’s restroom. Firefighters found an unoccupied toilet stall with the door locked from the outside. A sprinkler head was discharging inside the stall. When entry was made into the stall, they located remnants of a trash can that had been on fire but had been successfully extinguished by the sprinkler system.

Clearly suspicious, a joint investigation was launched by arson investigators from both the Kingsport Police Department Criminal Investigations Division and the Kingsport Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Office. A review of video surveillance footage revealed that an employee, Amber N. Mazen was the last person inside the women’s restroom before the fire was discovered by a customer.

On December 29, 2016 Ms. Mazen was interviewed by K.P.D. and K.F.D. arson investigators. During the interview, she corroborated the findings of their investigation that she had lit an item on fire, placed it in the trash can inside the stall, exited the stall deliberately locking the door behind her from the outside, and left the restroom.

A warrant was obtained for Ms. Mazen’s arrest charging her with Attempted Aggravated Arson. Investigators have spoken with her friends and family members about the warrant and are confident that she is aware of the charge against her. It is believed that she is deliberately eluding authorities in an attempt to avoid her inevitable arrest.

A photograph as well as a description of Ms. Mazen are included in this release. Anyone who knows her current whereabouts 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
WANTED SUSPECT INFORMATION
Name Amber N. Mazen
Age Date of Birth 10/4/1993

23 Years of Age
Gender/Race Female/White
Height/

Weight

 Approximately 5 feet 10 inches

Approximately 165 pounds
Hair/

Eyes

 Brown Hair

Brown Eyes
Last Known Address 306 Delaware Street

Kingsport, TN
Charge(s) Attempted Aggravated Arson

RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

KPD e-News Release: K.P.D. Detectives Investigating Large-Scale Commercial Burglary

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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: K.P.D. Detectives Investigating Large-Scale Commercial Burglary
DATE: January 12, 2017
CASE #: 16-028132
GENERAL NARRATIVE
Kingsport Police Department Detectives are currently investigating two back-to-back large-scale commercial burglaries to a Kingsport business that occurred on consecutive nights in late December 2016. The business that was targeted was Roberts Radiators, located at 2112 Idle Hour Road in Kingsport.

On the morning of December 28, 2016 the owner of the business arrived to find that a back door of the business had been pried open sometime during the previous night. The only thing that appeared to be missing was a folder containing over 30 vehicle titles. Thinking that he might have merely misplaced the folder, the owner initially elected not to file a police report.

The following morning, December 29, 2016, the owner returned to find that his business had been the target of a second overnight burglary. This time, several valuable items were stolen to include two commercial vehicles, a laptop computer, and several power tools. The suspects had used one of the business owner’s vehicles to forcibly push another vehicle out of the way that was blocking the parking lot exit.

The stolen vehicles include a red 1990 GMC Topkick heavy flatbed truck (approx. $8,000) and a white 2002 Chevrolet HD3500 low-wall dump truck (approx. $15,000). The other stolen items total nearly $6,000. In addition to the stolen property, there was nearly $10,000 in damages sustained to the structure and another vehicle on the lot for a total loss of nearly $40,000.

Private surveillance cameras at a nearby residence recorded what is believed to be the two stolen trucks and at least one additional vehicle traveling together away from the business on Idle Hour Road headed toward Bloomingdale Road at approximately 3:00 AM that morning.

This case remains under active investigation by the K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division. Detectives suspect that this burglary crew likely consists of three or more individuals. Photos of the two stolen vehicles and a comprehensive list of the additional stolen items are included with this release.

Anyone who has any information that may assist with this investigation, to include the identities of any possible suspects and/or the current location of any of the stolen property, 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
STOLEN VEHICLE #1 INFORMATION
Make GMC
Model Topkick
Year 1990
Type Heavy Flatbed Truck
Color Red
Value $8,000

STOLEN VEHICLE #2 INFORMATION
Make Chevrolet
Model HD3500
Year 2002
Type Low-Wall Dump Truck
Color White
Value $15,000

ADDITIONAL STOLEN PROPERTY INFORMATION
Brand Description Estimated Value
Craftsman Air Compressor $600
Milwaukee Grinder $150
Milwaukee Cordless Power Tools $700
Ryobi Pressure Washer $500
Sunbelt Space Heater $400
Hilti Chop Saw $1,400
Hypertherm Plasma Cutter $1,800
Unknown LED Light $30
Asus Laptop Computer $350
T Mobile WiFi Hotspot $50
Unknown Piggy Bank $10
Not Applicable Tax Documents Not Applicable
Not Applicable Total of over 30 Vehicle Titles Not Applicable
RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

KPD e-News Release: Drug Impaired Driver Indicted and Arrested Following Investigation into May 2016 Crash

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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: Drug Impaired Driver Indicted and Arrested Following Investigation into May 2016 Crash
DATE: January 11, 2017
CASE #: 16-009403 (Motor Vehicle Collision)

17-000683 (Arrest)
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On May 5, 2016 at approximately 2:45 PM, a member of the Kingsport Police Department Traffic Unit responded to a motor vehicle collision with injuries in the 900 block of East Stone Drive in Kingsport. His subsequent investigation revealed the following:

A 1987 Mazda SE5 pickup, driven by Ty P. Phillips, was eastbound on East Stone Drive. Without reason or warning, the Mazda crossed over the center turn lane and into the oncoming westbound lanes. The Mazda first struck a westbound Chevrolet Tahoe that was pulling a trailer. The driver and sole occupant of the Chevrolet was not injured.

The Mazda continued on and struck a westbound Saturn Vue in the front-end. The Saturn careened off the Mazda and left the roadway, striking a fire hydrant before coming to rest in a ditch. The driver and front-seat passenger of the Saturn both sustained substantial injuries and were transported to Holston Valley Medical Center by Sullivan County E.M.S. for treatment They have both since been released; however, their injuries are continuing to plague them to this day.

Mr. Phillips was also transported to Holston Valley Medical Center for treatment. Upon speaking with him at the hospital, the investigating officer noticed that he had significantly constricted pupils and inquired as to why he left his travel lane. Mr. Phillips could provide no explanation other than that he might have passed out.

Mr. Phillips volunteered that he was currently prescribed six prescription medications and allowed the officer to retrieve a list of those medications from his wallet. Based upon this information, the officer requested that Mr. Phillips submit a blood sample for testing, and he consented.

The results of that test were received a few months later and revealed that at the time of the crash, Mr. Phillips had been under the influence of six different prescription medications to include Oxycodone. The test was also positive for the chemical Difluoroethane, which is commonly found in aerosol duster sprays commonly abused as inhalants.

On January 4, 2017 the results of this investigation were presented to the Sullivan County Grand Jury which in turn returned a true bill. A Criminal Court capias was issued for Mr. Phillips arrest, charging him with Driving Under the Influence, Reckless Endangerment, 2 counts of Aggravated Assault, and Failure to Drive Within Lane.

On January 11, 2017 Mr. Phillips was arrested at his residence, transported to the Kingsport City Jail for processing, and then forwarded to the Sullivan County Jail in Blountville for confinement in lieu of a $15,000 bond as set by the presiding judge.
SUSPECT INFORMATION
Name Ty P. Phillips
Age Date of Birth 12/27/1974

42 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/White
Residency 573 Gravely Road

Kingsport, TN
Charge(s) 1) Driving Under the Influence

2) Reckless Endangerment

3) Aggravated Assault (2 counts)

4) Failure to Drive Within Lane

RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

Heroes Billboard

Highlighting Heroes: Senior System Analyst Barbara Lane

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Heroes Billboard

Barbara Lane was hired over 4 decades ago. She still works for the city today.

“I love creating and working on new projects. I enjoy getting things done that will help people get the information they need. I love working with people.”

Barbara Lane is a senior system analyst for the city of Kingsport. Hired in July 1970, Lane has been with the city longer than any other city employee. In her 46 years, she has seen where the city has been and has watched the city grow to where it is today.

After graduating high school, Lane started in the water department as a cashier. There were no computers, no internet, no email – people just paid their bill with cash.

When the city first started using computers in the early 70’s, Lane became a computer operator who keyed in time cards, meter readings and more. Through self-study and a few classes, she learned the skill of computer programming. She started to develop applications from scratch for city departments.

With sharpened programming skills, she moved to information services. This is where she’s been ever since, becoming a Senior System Analyst in 1984.

Her strength is programming. Some of her recent project examples include reports which balance sales tax for utilities and fleet maintenance. She’s also working on a program that will allow city departments to electronically send, receive, and sign documents.

She also writes programs for different applications such as meter reading on iPads and the Click2Gov portal.

Lane is also working on giving the water/utility customers an option of having their statement emailed instead of receiving it in the mail.

“When I look at a project that’s helped people, I feel good about myself and the different departments I work with,” said Lane.

Lane has seen, or been a part of, most of the major growth in Kingsport over the past 40 years. During this time, she’s loved being a part of a team propelling a change in the right direction for the city.

It is because of people like Barbara Lane that Kingsport is where it is today.

Link to: City of Kingsport
City of Kingsport, Tennessee