Tennessee Sheriffs' Association

05/19/2026

Be sure to stop by the SAVIN table at the CARES Conference. Located at Tennessee State University - Avon Williams Campus

05/05/2026

TSA’s SAVIN Coordinator Chassity Crutchfield spreading some crucial information about our SAVIN program.

SAVIN, the Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification system alerts victims and their families any time an offender’s custody status changes — giving them precious time to prepare, protect and act.

04/09/2026

04/09/2026

02/06/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tennessee Sheriffs' Association Welcomes New Instructors for Sheriff's School

Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Sheriffs' Association (TSA), representing all 95 sheriffs across the great State of Tennessee, is proud to announce the dedicated team of instructors and facilitators for the upcoming “New Sheriff’s School.” This essential program is designed to equip newly elected sheriffs with the necessary tools and resources for success in their roles.

The instructors, a collaborative group of seasoned and experienced sheriffs, recently convened to plan the curriculum and activities for the upcoming school. Their extensive knowledge as subject matter experts are invaluable assets, ensuring that new sheriffs receive high-value education in their critical positions.

We are also pleased to recognize the support and participation of the following agencies, which contribute to the success of the New Sheriff’s School:

- Tennessee Sheriff’s Association
- Tennessee Corrections Institute
- UT County Technical Assistance
- Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy
- Anderson County Sheriff’s Office
- Dickson County Sheriff’s Office
- Dyer County Sheriff’s Office
- Loudon County Sheriff’s Office
- Robertson County Sheriff’s Office
- Wayne County Sheriff’s Office

The goals of the Tennessee Sheriffs' Association include promoting better law enforcement, maintaining high levels of ethical conduct, and providing a platform for sheriffs to exchange knowledge and best practices. Through mentorship and education, TSA aims to foster a collaborative environment that enhances the effectiveness of law enforcement across the state.

This school displays TSA’s commitment to supporting Tennessee sheriffs and strengthening our communities. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this program will have on our new sheriffs as they embark upon the journey of a lifetime!

01/30/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Statement from the Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association

Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association Mourns Line-of-Duty Death of Weakley County Deputy

The Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association (TSA) joins the entire law enforcement community in mourning the tragic and heroic line-of-duty death of a Weakley County Sheriff’s Deputy who gave their life while serving and protecting the citizens of Tennessee.

This devastating loss is a solemn reminder of the extraordinary courage, selflessness, and unwavering commitment demonstrated daily by law enforcement officers across our state and nation. The deputy’s sacrifice represents the highest calling of public service — placing the safety and well-being of others above one’s own.

On behalf of Tennessee’s 95 sheriffs and the thousands of deputies and detention professionals they lead, TSA extends its deepest condolences to Sheriff Terry McDade, the men and women of the Weakley County Sheriff’s Office, and most importantly, to the deputy’s family, friends, and loved ones. No words can fully express the grief felt when a law enforcement officer makes the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

The Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association stands shoulder to shoulder with Sheriff McDade and the Weakley County Sheriff’s Office during this incredibly difficult time. The loss of one deputy is felt by every sheriff’s office and every law enforcement agency across Tennessee. We honor this deputy’s bravery, dedication, and faithful service to their community and to this state.

Law enforcement officers willingly accept the risks of this profession to protect others, often running toward danger when others are forced to flee. This deputy’s service and sacrifice will never be forgotten, and their legacy will live on through the lives they touched and the community they served.

TSA asks all Tennesseans to keep the deputy’s family, Sheriff McDade, and the entire Weakley County Sheriff’s Office in their thoughts and prayers. We remain committed to supporting Weakley County and honoring the life and service of this fallen hero.

12/23/2025

The Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association joins the Knox County Sheriff’s Office in mourning the passing of Chief Deputy Bernie Lyon, a dedicated public servant whose life and career exemplified the highest traditions of law enforcement.
Sheriff Tom Spangler described Chief Deputy Lyon “servant leadership as a public safety servant to the people of Knox County with honor, integrity, and quiet strength for more than 46 years. He was widely respected as a leader, mentor, and “cop’s cop” who led by example and never asked others to do what he would not do himself”.
Sheriff Tom Spangler, shared the profound loss felt by the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, describing Chief Deputy Lyon “not only as a trusted advisor and leader, but as a dear friend and brother whose impact on the office and the community will be felt for generations”.
Chief Deputy Lyon’s commitment to service, unwavering integrity, and servant’s heart leave a lasting legacy within the Knox County Sheriff’s Office and across the law enforcement community of Tennessee.
The Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association extends its deepest condolences to Chief Deputy Lyon’s family, including his son Taylor and his brother, Lee Lyon, Chaplain with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, as well as to Sheriff Spangler and the entire Knox County Sheriff’s Office family.
We ask all sheriffs, deputies, and citizens across the state to keep the Lyon family and the men and women of the Knox County Sheriff’s Office in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

12/10/2025

The Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association presented a Resolution to TBI’s Director David Rausch. He has served in law enforcement for over 31 years. Director Rausch will also serve as the 25-26 President for the International Association of Chiefs of Police.We want to thank Director Rausch for his support of the TSA and congratulate him on his outstanding achievements! Thank you for going above and beyond for our great State and for representing Tennessee law enforcement so professionally around the globe in your new role.

12/05/2025

The Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association presented a Resolution to Honor Sheriff Jeff Cassidy. He served as the TSA president in 2024-2025. He is honored for his remarkable dedication, work ethic and being an inspiration to colleagues through his leadership and positive attitude. He continues to serve the citizens of Sullivan county with distinction and service.

We thank you for your dedication and service!

11/10/2025

The TSA Board and Staff want to thank all veterans and we want to recognize all the Sheriffs and Deputies who have served as well!