Rutherford County Sheriff's Office

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For job openings, see http://joinrcsotn.com. Welcome to the new Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office’s page for fans. We hope to provide our citizens and fans an opportunity to learn about the sheriff’s office. The Sheriff’s Office reserves the right to preserve the “family friendly” element of this fan page. Comments will be monitored to preserve an environment conducive to a positive inte

raction regarding the activities with our fans. This agency social media site serves as a limited public forum and all content published is subject to monitoring. User-generated posts will be rejected or removed (if possible) when the content,
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Disclaimer: Agency social media sites are subject to applicable public records laws. Any content maintained in a social media format related to agency business, including communication posted by the Agency and communication received from citizens, is a public record. The Department maintaining the site is responsible for responding completely and accurately to any public records request for social media content.

STOP/DV and K9 Units earn Sheriff’s Commendation award Arrests of violent suspects on attempted first-degree murder, sex...
08/28/2026

STOP/DV and K9 Units earn Sheriff’s Commendation award

Arrests of violent suspects on attempted first-degree murder, sexual exploitation of minors and kidnapping charges resulted in STOP?DVI and K9 deputies receiving the Sheriff’s Commendation Award from Sheriff Mike Fitzhugh.

The Strategies and Tactics for Opioid Prevention/Drug Violence Initiative team and narcotics and K9 Unit deputies made 50 arrests in 30 days, said Lt. Scott Martin, who supervises the teams.

Other charges included:

• Attempted second-degree murder.

• Strong armed robbery.

• Aggravated assault.

• Two counts of aggravated assault on first responders.

• Aggravated stalking.

• Possession of a weapon in the commission of a felony.

Deputies researched multiple online platforms, conducted surveillance, did logistical and tactical planning and initiated overall good police work, the lieutenant said.

“The STOP team has assisted multiple agencies in the apprehension of violent offenders recently and all have nothing but high praise for their job performance, productivity and professionalism,” Martin said.

“I would like to formally recommend that the entire STOPS/ DVI unit as well as uniformed narcotics deputies be commended for their recent outstanding work performance, dedication to their job and going above and beyond to protect the citizens of Rutherford County,” Martin said.

Photo: Lt. Scott Martin and Deputy Chief Chris Kauffman, left, and Sheriff Mike Fitzhugh, right, recognize STOP/DVI and K9 Units and narcotics deputies for making 50 arrests of violent suspects in one month.

Deputies receiving the commendation are, from left, Training Sgt. Zach Campbell, Training Deputy Brandon Bains, Deputy Cameron Van Lierop, Deputy Tori Capps, Deputy Chris Danckwerth, Deputy Aaron Price, K9 Deputy David Vega and Deputy Steve Hill.

New Sheriff’s SRO accepts role at Stewarts Creek Elementary School SRO Chris Waters is excited about his new role as sch...
08/28/2026

New Sheriff’s SRO accepts role at Stewarts Creek Elementary School

SRO Chris Waters is excited about his new role as school resource officer at Stewarts Creek Elementary School.

Waters retired from Murfreesboro Police Department after serving in patrol and as an SRO at Overall Creek Elementary School in Murfreesboro.

He's enjoying meeting new students, teachers, administrators and staff at Stewarts Creek Elementary School.

School activities don't stop when the bell ringsIt's important for drivers to pay attention in school zones even outside...
08/28/2026

School activities don't stop when the bell rings

It's important for drivers to pay attention in school zones even outside of active school hours.

Slow down and keep a close eye out for vehicles making sudden stops or for kids crossing the street.

Remember that children are unpredictable and may forget to look both ways before crossing the street.

Eagleville kindergarten students learn about SWAT operations Kindergarten students enjoyed learning about the SWAT Team ...
08/28/2026

Eagleville kindergarten students learn about SWAT operations

Kindergarten students enjoyed learning about the SWAT Team and checking out the Bearcat vehicle used in the team’s responses.

SRO Sgt. Shawn Jones, who is the SWAT Team assistant commander, and Eagleville SRO Jamie Bailey talked about the SWAT Team’s mission.

“Sgt. Jones brought the Bearcat out to the school and helped explain how the Sheriff’s Office and the SWAT team help keep the community safe,” Bailey said.

Their presentation was part of the Community Helpers Day at the school. Rutherford County Emergency Medical Services paramedics, firefighters and a dentist also gave presentations.

Sheriff, chief and captain honored at retirement event Rutherford County Sheriff Mike Fitzhugh, Deputy Chief Steve Spenc...
08/27/2026

Sheriff, chief and captain honored at retirement event

Rutherford County Sheriff Mike Fitzhugh, Deputy Chief Steve Spence and Detention Capt. Curtis Little were recognized during a retirement ceremony Wednesday.

Former Chief Deputy Keith Lowery paid tribute to Fitzhugh.

“For approximately 32 years, you faithfully served the citizens of Rutheford County and the state of Tennessee with honor, professionalism and integrity and unwavering commitment to public safety,” Lowery said.

Fitzhugh championed advancements in public safety, correctional reform certification, crime prevention, community and youth engagement and preparation of inmates to become productive citizens in the community.

He maintained essential public safety during the COVID 19 pandemic.

“Your true legacy lives in the people you’ve influenced, the deputies and employees you’ve supported, the young people you’ve encouraged, the citizens you’ve protected, the leaders you mentored and the profession you leave stronger because you were a part of it,” Lowery said.

Fitzhugh thanked the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office.

“It’s you who did the work and you are the ones who make this place what it is,” Fitzhugh said.

Spence served 39 years in patrol, rising to major. He was promoted to Deputy Chief of Administration.

“It’s been a great career,” Spence said. “I couldn’t have done it without my co-workers. My wife, Darlene, stood beside me 37 of the 39 years.”

Little was one of 19 detention deputies caring for 74 inmates when he began working in the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center in 1992.

Now the center employs 206 detention deputies with almost 1,100 inmates.

“It’s been a learning experience with ups and downs,” Little said. “I thank everybody.”

Public Information Officer Lisa Marchesoni will retire Tuesday after 16 years of service.

Sheriff’s Jail Administrator shares leadership skills On Kevin Henderson’s first day as a detention deputy, he asked the...
08/27/2026

Sheriff’s Jail Administrator shares leadership skills

On Kevin Henderson’s first day as a detention deputy, he asked the jail administrator how long it would take to be promoted to corporal.

“Sit down, son, you’ll never get to be corporal in this organization,” the jail administrator replied.

Instead of becoming discouraged, the reply became a positive moment and a challenge.

He was promoted to sergeant within five years.

Henderson recalled his experiences while addressing leadership at the Spark Training Jail Summit this week in Murfreesboro. The training for a comprehensive look at jail operations for correctional officers and medical providers.

He served 30 years at the Shelby County Sheriff's Office and Division of Corrections. He rose through the ranks to be captain. He retired as chief of security with the Division of Corrections.

Henderson has served almost five years as jail administrator for the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center.

He suggested supervisors follow one of his guidelines.

“Don’t let a person come to you with a problem without a solution,” Henderson said. “That’s how you drive your staff and your future leaders.”

Many detention deputies start their careers at age 18.

“My job is to make them better,” the administrator said.

Field training officers may be good, bad or mediocre. That allows employees to learn what to do and what not to do in training.

Henderson said Rutherford County Sheriff’s detention deputies were receptive to his plans to follow Sheriff Mike Fitzhugh’s direction to improve the culture. Everyone bought into the change.

“As a leader, you are only as good as your staff,” Henderson said. “If you are not invested in your staff, you’re going to fail.”

UPDATE: Interstate 24 has reopened.ORIGINAL POST:Both lanes of I-24 closed due to crash near Beech Grove Expect traffic ...
08/27/2026

UPDATE:

Interstate 24 has reopened.

ORIGINAL POST:

Both lanes of I-24 closed due to crash near Beech Grove

Expect traffic delays on Interstate 24 because of a crash near the Beech Grove exit toward Chattanooga.

Drivers may exit at the Buchanan Road exit and travel on U.S. Highway 41 South and return to the interstate at Beech Grove.

Please be patient while emergency responders treat the patient and Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers investigate.

SROs take students shopping at Kohl’s School resource officers taking students back-to-school shopping with students dre...
08/26/2026

SROs take students shopping at Kohl’s

School resource officers taking students back-to-school shopping with students drew the attention of three Kohl’s shopper.

One anonymous man learned the SROs were providing funds for the shopping event and asked if he could donate.

He gave a contribution, saying he believed in supporting community efforts.

Another couple said their daughter was involved in community projects and donated.

While they good neighbors supported the event, SROs spent time with the students as they gleefully and carefully selected clothes and shoes.

SRO Sam Trubee, who coordinated the event, said 13 Rutherford County Schools’ high school students were selected to spend $250 each to shop at Kohl’s with the SROs from their school.

The SROs sponsored the SRO Pickleball tournament in the spring to raise funds for the annual shopping trip.

Community residents like the Kohl’s shopper who want to support the back-to-school shopping or sponsor the pickleball in the tournament next year may contact Trubee at 615-203-2119 or at [email protected].

UPDATED POSTSmyrna High School parents,This is James Evans again with Rutherford County Schools. We want to update you a...
08/26/2026

UPDATED POST

Smyrna High School parents,

This is James Evans again with Rutherford County Schools. We want to update you about the precautionary lockdown at Smyrna High School. The lockdown has ended.

Police received an anonymous call this morning with a bomb threat against the school. The school was locked down immediately as a precaution, which is standard procedure. Law enforcement and multiple other agencies responded. The school has been cleared and the bomb threat was bogus. The school is returning to normal operation and all students are safe.

We are not dismissing school today, but we do understand that some parents may want to check out their children early. If you do, please enter the school at McWilliams Drive, not Bulldog Circle.

We appreciate your patience while we addressed the situation. We have standard safety and response procedures in place to ensure the safety of students. Thanks again.


ORIGINAL POST;

Parents, Smyrna High is on precautionary lockdown for police investigation.

Parents should not come to school but can wait at Lifepoint Church if you want.

All students are safe. We will have more info for you soon.

08/25/2026

Driver assistance technologies explained

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940 New Salem Highway
Murfreesboro, TN
37129

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