Two officers to get Hope Award

Williamson County is unarguably one of the Nation’s best communities to work, to live, and to raise a family. It is no accident, nor did it happen in a vacuum. Our community is protected, and well served by men and woman who sacrifice their safety for others. This Sunday, Full Life Assembly of God will honor Franklin Police Officer Tim Damm and Assistant Fire Chief Todd Horton for their service to the this city. 

Last summer, Franklin Police Officer Tim Damm (pictured above) had just finished his shift and was on his way home when he spotted the getaway car of two men who had just robbed a Franklin gas station. Because of Officer Damm’s keen eye and quick action, both men and the gun they used in the robbery were quickly taken off of Franklin streets. 

Nominated unanimously by the firefighters he serves, Assistant Chief Todd Horton (pictured right) is being recognized for his behind-the-scenes contributions critical to the success of the Franklin Fire Department. Assistant Chief Horton oversees the Department’s budget, purchasing, grant writing, technology and radio communications. 

The Hope Award is an annual recognition of emergency personnel who have excelled in their job, and in some unique way – given hope to our community. “Each year, we enjoy this opportunity to say thank you to those who give of themselves in service to the safety and security of our families.” said Pastor Nick Serban III. 

Full Life Assembly is located at 813 Oak Meadow Drive in Franklin. The event is open to the public and begins at 11 am.

"Stop, Drop and Roll" not always a hit

(From Clarksville Online):  "Stop, drop, and roll” has been one of the most recognizable fire safety messages for decades. Many adults remember the concept from being introduced to it as a young child.

Unfortunately, it is common for people, especially children, to mistakenly believe that they should utilize stop, drop, and roll as a reaction to all fire situations.

Tennessee State Fire Marshal Julie Mix McPeak wants to make sure Tennesseans know how and when to stop, drop, and roll. “It is important to stress, especially to children, that stop, drop, and roll is appropriate when your clothing or body is on fire,” says McPeak. “If a fire occurs in a home or a building, however, they need to know that getting out fast and staying out is the priority.”

Make sure you and your family are prepared for what to do in case a clothing fire occurs.

In Case of Fire

• If your clothes catch fire, stop, drop, and roll. Stop immediately, drop to the ground, and cover your face with your hands. Roll over and over or back and forth until the fire is out.
• If you cannot stop, drop, and roll, keep a blanket or towel nearby to help you or others smother flames. Cover the person with a blanket to smother the fire. If you use a wheelchair, scooter, or other device and are able to get to the floor, lock the device first to stay in place before getting on the floor to roll until the flames are out.
• Use cool water to treat any resulting burns immediately for 3 to 5 minutes. Cover with a clean, dry cloth. Get medical help right away by calling 9-1-1 or the fire department.

To prevent clothes from catching fire

• Wear short, close-fitting, or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking or grilling,
• Teach children to never play with matches or lighters, and
• Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around fireplaces, candles, grills, and stoves.

About the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office

The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (www.tn.gov/commerce/sfm/) is a division of the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (www.tn.gov/commerce/), which works to protect consumers while ensuring fair competition for industries and professionals who do business in Tennessee.www.tn.gov/commerce/, @TNCommerceInsur (Twitter), http://on.fb.me/uFQwUZ (Facebook), http://bit.ly/ry1GyX (YouTube)

Vigilant victim leads to DUI arrest

Involved Citizens, Responsive Police Equal Great Partnership 

On Friday night at 9:00 pm, officers were notified of a vehicle crash on Cool Springs Boulevard near Frazier Drive. 34-year-old Benjamin Hunter of Franklin fled the scene prior to officers arrival. The other driver followed Hunter to the parking lot of a nearby Starbucks and used his vehicle to prevent Hunter from leaving again. When Hunter walked away, the driver was able to keep watch on him until officers arrived, locating Hunter in the parking lot of Bed, Bath and Beyond. During their investigation, officers determined Hunter to be under the influence of alcohol. 

Hunter was transported to the Williamson County Jail where he was charged with DUI, Leaving the Scene of an Injury Crash, and Failure to Report an Accident. He was released on a $4,750 bond and is due in court on 09/06/2012 at 2:00 pm. 

“Even as a victim, citizens can get involved by helping officers apprehend a suspect,” said Officer Eric Johnson. “Citizens like this one, empowering themselves to standup against crime, along with a responsive police department, ensure criminals end up where they belong – behind bars.” 

To send an anonymous tip to Franklin Police, text the keyword 615FPD, along with your message to 847411 (Tip411), or call Franklin Police at (615) 794-2513 

Tigerish at the Tiger Mart

Monday at 2:50 am, Franklin Police officers were summoned to the Tiger Mart, 449 Cool Springs Boulevard, to check on an impaired couple. The woman in the driver’s seat, 35-year-old Tonya Gendreau of Clarksville, was arrested for DUI after officers determined that she was impaired. 

The passenger, 25-year-old Spencer Hill of Brentwood, became combative at the scene, telling officers who were attempting to detain him that he may have a gun. After a brief struggle, Hill was taken into custody. While on his way to jail, he repeatedly directed racial slurs at the arresting officer, and told the officer that he was going to put a bullet in him. No weapon was found on Hill at the time of his arrest, although he did tell the arresting officer that he is a gun collector. 

Gendreau, charged with DUI, is free on a $1,500 bond. Hill, charged with Public Intoxication and Resisting is also free on a $1,500 bond. Both are due in court 09/13/2012 at 2:00 pm. 

Domestic assault in Franklin

At 12:39 a.m. Sunday, Franklin police were called to 819 Chrisman Drive for a domestic disturbance. Arriving officers located the suspect, 53-year-old Joe Ray, attempting to turn his vehicle around in the driveway. Inside, officers found a 46-year-old woman who had been beaten in the face. The woman’s tooth was knocked out during the assault. 

Ray (pictured here) was arrested and charged with Domestic Assault. He is free on a $1,500 bond and due in court 09/13/2012 at 2:00 p.m. 

According to statistics, domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women – more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined. For local help with domestic violence, including shelter, contact the Bridges Domestic Violence Center of Franklin (http://bridgesdvc.org) at (615) 599-5777.

Dickson County man says he's victim of hate crimes

(From WKRN Channel 2):  A Dickson County man, originally from Egypt, before becoming an American citizen, said someone has vandalized his fence since 2011. 

Salama Salama told Nashville's News 2 Investigates he came to the United States 15 years ago and purchased his 76-acre property two years ago. 

Salama said since last year, someone has repeatedly tampered with and in some cases cut his fence, allowing his livestock to run loose.  

According to the 62-year-old Bellevue resident, he has been treated poorly by others in the county. 

"Yes, sir, they treat me like trash," he said. 

The retired veterinarian said he dreamed of raising livestock, cattle, sheep and chickens on his property, but is now afraid to do so since his animals can escape. 

"It's not an accident or a cow pushing down the fence, but a hate crime," Salama said. 

Nashville's News 2 Investigates spoke with Dickson County Chief Deputy Jerone Holt who said the department is aware of the incidents. 

"We have looked into the matter on every call," Holt said. "We have pictures where it appears that the animals have pushed the fencing down." 

The chief deputy told Nashville's News 2 Investigates they have responded to Salama's property nearly 20 times since 2011.

Nashville's News 2 Investigates looked at some of the incident reports where at least one deputy wrote it appears the fence was cut.

Holt said the department is not actively investigating the case. He added there is no reason to believe the actions are related to a hate crime.  

"We have not received any calls of this being a hate crime," he said. "All the calls we have received have to do with these animals either getting out, roaming at large or under-nourished. 

He continued, "If we had any reason to believe that there was some kind of hate crime going on, then we would definitely fully investigate." 

Salama has been cited twice on misdemeanor charges that he let his animals run loose.

He added a judge has ordered him to get rid of his goats and sheep, as well as compensate his neighbor for the damage the cows did when they got out. 

No suspects have been identified into the incidents

Run with, not from, the police

When you see a police officer running, it’s usually because they are running to the aid of another. That will be the case Monday morning when all 16 members of the FPD’s SWAT team join more than 3,000 anticipated runners for the 34th Annual Franklin Classic. 

The team’s leader, Sgt. Brian Woodward said, “Most often, our team is called in when people are in serious need of our help. We’re excited to help in a different way this Monday morning, when our team will run with a lot of folks who care about our community’s kids’ healthcare and the wellbeing of their families.” 

The race, centered in Franklin’s downtown area, is a rain or shine event. Registration activities start at 5:45 Monday morning, with a 10k race at 7am and 5k at 8:30am. Mercy Children’s Clinic is a full-service pediatric clinic serving the community’s insured and uninsured. 

Franklin Police Department: Professional, Progressive, Responsive.