Soddy Daisy police officers honored for their service
photo by Gail Perry
“It's comforting to know we have such professionalism in our police department,” said Commissioner Jim Adams at the Soddy Daisy Commission meeting Thursday night. Police Chief Jeff Gann led the commissioners in honoring a select group of officers with recognition and certificates of commendation and Lifesaver Awards for their outstanding work.
On Saturday, Aug. 31. a call was received for CPR for a 54-year-old patient. Officers Ryan Vanderpool and Jed Krider responded and administered CPR while calling for medical assistance. Due to the officers’ diligence, the patient began breathing and survived. Both were calm, confident and professional during the emergency, said Chief Gann. The two officers were recognized with the Lifesaver Award.
Police Officer Garret Bull and Canine Officer Janga often assist local Highway Patrol and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s office in the search for drugs. On July 25 while working at the Chattanooga Airport, Jenga’s job was sniffing luggage when she alerted her partner to the presence of drugs. The bag she showed interest in was placed on a conveyor belt and she alerted to it again. The bag was pulled and searched and 60 pounds of marijuana were discovered. The search was repeated again just yesterday, said Chief Gann. Her handler, Garret Bull, was given a letter of commendation for outstanding work. Janga was given a package of peanut butter crackers.
On May 8, Officers Keith Loveless, Melissa Hyslop and Bobby Combs came across a man sitting on the railing of a bridge, leaning off and ready to jump. Officer Hyslop yelled at the man to get his attention while other officers were called to help. While the man was yelling, Officer Hyslop engaged him in conversation and distracted him enough to allow other officers to arrive. It has been determined that mental illness was instrumental in causing this incident. These officers secured the man’s safety without hurting anyone, said the chief. The job was well done by all officers, said Chief Gann.
Officer Hunter Abbott and Detective Craig Winters noticed smoke coming from a house on Aug. 15. They searched the house and found no people, but did find two dogs in two different rooms. They helped both of the frightened and biting dogs out of the burning building and saved their lives. Each of these officers was given the Lifesaver Award from the city.
Rezoning property at 1230 Thrasher Pike from Rural Residential to Agricultural District, was postponed by the Planning Commission at their last meeting. Although the matter was on the Commission meeting agenda this week, the motion passed to postpone a vote on the rezoning by the commissioners until the Planning Commission acts on it. The rezoning will be voted on again at the first meeting in November.
City Manager Janice Cagle received approval for the expenditure of $12,140 to pay for various road repairs. Announcements include the reminder that the 50th anniversary celebration of the founding of Soddy Daisy will take place Sept. 28 at Veteran’s Park from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and the American Legion’s 100th anniversary will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday at city hall. A ceremony at 7 p.m. Saturday night at the Soddy Daisy High School will honor cadets.
Mayor Gene Shipley said that Soddy Daisy has the chance to apply for money from a federal grant obtained by Congressman Chuck Fleishman. If received, it would be used to reimburse the city for the emergency response costs due to flooding last year.
Janga
photo by Gail Perry