Law Enforcement Ball

Story & Photography by Woody Woodard

The 4th Annual Law Enforcement Ball hosted by 731 Crime Stoppers was held on Saturday, January 8. Members and supporters of local law enforcement enjoyed an evening of food and entertainment, and had the opportunity to applaud some outstanding members of law enforcement and the community who received special awards for their hard work.

U.S. Marshal Special Agent Joe Frye, a 26-year veteran of the Two Rivers Fugitive Task Force, was working in the capture of Bobby Joe Claybrook! As members advanced, shots rang out from a window and agent Joe Frye was shot three times and survived. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee awarded Agent Frye the Purple Heart, being the first agent shot in the line of duty.

Gibson County Sheriff Department: Lt. Leeman Webb, a 21-year veteran, was on duty as Road Supervisor and heard a warning of the Kenton tornado. He drove into the heel of the tornado as the first responder, checking homes and reporting critical needs to Dispatch! He continued directing responders upon their arrival to the critically injured!

Madison County Sheriff’s Sgt. T.J. King is in charge of the Violent Crime Unit/ Criminal Investigation Unit. Sgt. King is a teacher of numerous classes at the training center. He works with Internet Crime Against Children, Dept. of Children Services, Homeland Security and U.S. Marshall Services. Sgt. King is a graduate of Austin Peay University, FBI National Academy, and Leadership Jackson.

Jackson Police Department Sgt. Adam Pinion is an 8-year veteran of JPD who works as an Investigator with the Major Crimes Unit. He was instrumental in bringing “Flock” Safety System Cameras to Jackson. This is an advanced license plate reader system connected to the National Crime Information Center. Also, he implements the Cell Phone Extraction Data system and the Shot Detection Technology/Blue Light program.

731 Crime Stoppers is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping law enforcement solve cases. Proceeds from the Law Enforcement Ball will go to pay rewards for anonymous tips they receive which lead to arrests and convictions.