David Quillin, Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

http://Police.KingsportTN.gov • www.KingsportPDBlog.com

All four officers returned fire in the suspect’s direction to successfully drive the suspect back into the residence out of community harm. Disregarding personal safety, Det. Slater and Officer Reid, while ignoring his own wound, began the extraction of Cpl. Jackson from the area of danger while Officer Parker provided cover.

Commander Jason Bellamy, already on scene, assisted with the medical triage of the severely wounded officer, all the while providing leadership, direction, and control of a chaotic situation in a hostile environment. Sergeant Kevin Hite, SWAT Team Commander, orchestrated the tactical approach to the residence, while maintaining consistent communications to officers in the field. Sgt. Hite was clear, concise, and controlling in his orders and deployment of personnel.

As the severely wounded officer was extracted out of the immediate area, SWAT Team Medic Adam Williams (who is a civilian volunteer) began combat field first aid and lifesaving procedures calmly, competently, and without hesitation. Medic Williams’ response provided prompt and timely expert medical assistance to the medical evaluation and care of casualties under incredibly stressful and combat-like conditions.

Based upon the actions outlined above, the following commendations were recommended and awarded by the Kingsport Police Department:

Corporal Dustin Jackson: Medal of Valor and Purple Heart

Officer Scott Reid: Medal of Valor and Purple Heart

Detective Mike Slater: Medal of Valor

Officer Lucas Parker: Medal of Valor

Commander Jason Bellamy: Police Star

Sergeant Kevin Hite: Police Star

Medic Adam Williams: Citizen Commendation Certificate

These awards were presented to these individuals on February 6, 2017 at the meeting of the City of Kingsport Board of Mayor and Aldermen.

Chief David Quillin offered the following words: “We are fortunate that these types of things rarely happen in Kingsport. The truth is that some things are simply out of our control. It is unfortunate any time there is a loss of life. In this particular case, the suspect made the decision he made, and the officers were forced to act. We are constantly training, and we train for situations just like this one.

The officers relied on their training and on each other. I fully support their actions. Fortunately and thankfully, we did not lose any officers on this particular day. Both officers who were shot have recovered and are now both back to active duty. We are extremely grateful for the outpouring of support that we received from the community”.

This incident itself was well-documented and highly publicized at the time it occurred; however, for additional information, please visit the following link:

https://kingsportpdblog.com/2017/11/13/kpd-e-news-release-two-kingsport-police-officers-injured-in-standoff-with-barricaded-suspect-2nd-update/

The specific criteria for each of these four awards is documented in the Kingsport Police Department’s General Order 435.1 Discipline – Awards and Commendations. The following descriptions are taken from that document:

Medal of Valor: The highest law enforcement medal awarded to a sworn police officer of the Kingsport Police Department. The Medal of Valor is awarded for an act of extraordinary bravery or heroism at extreme and voluntary life-threatening risk that is above and beyond the call of duty. The act is to be so conspicuous that it clearly distinguishes the individual officer from his/her fellow officers.

Police Star: The Police Star is awarded to a sworn police officer who in the

intelligent performance of his/her duty and at imminent personal danger performs

an act of exceptional judgment while utilizing skillful tactics in order to defuse an

obvious dangerous and stressful situation.

Purple Heart: The Purple Heart shall be awarded to a sworn police officer who

sustains a serious injury in the line of duty as a result of an act of malice or

recklessness of another (usually involving the use of a deadly weapon) or as a

result of an act of heroism justifying the award of the Medal of Valor or the Medal

of Merit.

Citizen Commendation Certificate: The Citizen Commendation Certificate shall

be awarded to any citizen who has assisted the law enforcement effort by an act of

bravery, rendered productive assistance, or brings credit to himself/herself through

outstanding achievement.

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-224-2786 (FAX)

ThomasMPatton