Chief Jack Sapp with Michael Allen Gerard
Collegedale officers responded to Garden Plaza of Greenbriar Cove on Sept. 21, 2023, after receiving a report of a missing elderly resident with dementia. The patient had left the facility approximately five hours prior for a walk.
Officers searched the area and a Silver Alert was released though the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations. Local media outlets immediately broadcast the alert. Michael Allen Gerard received the alert and made the decision to begin searching the area of the Collegedale Greenway for the missing person. Mr. Gerard located the individual hiding behind some sheds at the Collegedale Korean SDA Church, just off the Greenway. The elderly individual was scared and informed Mr. Gerard that they had been walking around trying to find their home for the last few hours.
Mr. Gerard notified law enforcement who were searching nearby areas that he had located the missing individual. First responders treated the elderly person for a minor cut on their arm and transported them safely back to the assisted living facility.
During the March 18 Collegedale Commission meeting, Mr. Gerard was presented the American Police Hall of Fame Civilian Medal of Appreciation by Chief Jack Sapp.
“These are the stories we like to share,” said Chief Sapp. “A member of our community saw a need and provided help not only to our officers who were searching, but also to someone who was lost, scared, and alone. Individuals like Mr. Gerard are what make Collegedale such a great city! He lived our agency’s motto ‘Service Before Self’ and we’re grateful that he did.”