E-T Constables Association graduates 54 constables at in-service training
Published 4:08 pm Friday, October 7, 2022
- Star Photo/Joyce Bartlett The Elizabethton STAR and staff were awarded the Support and Professionalism Award by the ET Constables Association on Friday morning. Pictured (L to R): Delaney Scalf; Constable Kent Harris, President of the ET Constables Association; Brandy Trivett; Kathy Scalf; Ken Potter, Chief Training Officer and Carter County Constable and Janie McKinney.
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A total of 54 constables, including two Carter County constables, completed the annual in-service training conducted in September at the Hamblen County Courthouse in Morristown.
Chief Training Officer Ken Potter said numerous topics were covered, including child abuse, domestic violence, officer survival, use of force, de-escalation of force, active shooter, civil process and building search. Each constable took and passed a written test.
Potter, who is also a Carter County constable, said Carter County constables have their own organization and sponsor their own training. The annual training is required by the state, he explained.
Constable Kent Harris, President of the ET Constables Association, said 12 newly-elected constables attended and participated in the training.
At the completion of the training awards were presented. Sheriff of the Year was awarded to Washington County Sheriff Keith Sexton. Dwayne Hittinger was chosen Constable of the Year, and Freddie Sams was awarded the Leadership Award.
John Crawford was named Legislator of the Year and Sen. Rusty Crowe was named Senator of the Year.
The Elizabethton STAR and staff were awarded the Support and Professionalism Award.
Harris noted the training session had great instructors including Constable Ken Potter, SA Jerry Stout, Sheriff Edward Tester, Attorney Eric Reach and Retired THP Carroll Glover.
“We are already making plans for next year’s event,” said Constable Potter. “Training is one of the most important part of a constable’s position, especially on the use of force and de-escalation of the use of force,” he emphasized.
Constable Harris said any constable who would like to join the ETCA can contact him.
“This was a record-breaking year for our organization. We got laws passed that will help all constables across the state,” Harris said. He can be contacted at (423) 335-3775.
