Jefferson County Constables' Department

04/03/2026

In Memory of John David Holland
Jefferson County Constable, 1996–2016

Yesterday, Jefferson County lost a true public servant. John David Holland dedicated much of his life to serving the people of this county in many different roles. He served as a Jefferson County Constable for 20 years, from 1996 to 2016, and during that time he was known as an active and hardworking officer who answered hundreds of calls and also made dozens of arrests in service to our community.

In addition to his time as Constable, John also served Jefferson County as a Paramedic and as 911 Director, as well as a Jefferson County Deputy. Most recently, he continued his service in law enforcement as a Patrolman with the Rutledge Police Department. He also served as Chief Constable of the Jefferson County Constables’ Department and spent several years as Secretary-Treasurer for the Constables’ Department. Beyond law enforcement, he had also served as a firefighter and rescue squad member, continuing a life of service wherever he was needed.

John David Holland spent his life answering calls for help, whether on an ambulance, a fire truck, a patrol car, or as a Constable. Few people dedicate that many years, in that many roles, to taking care of their community.

Please keep his family, friends, and his brothers and sisters in public safety in your thoughts and prayers in the days ahead. His years of service to Jefferson County will not be forgotten.

08/29/2025

🎉🚓 Please join us in wishing Constables Brad Gass and Vince Gable a very Happy Birthday! 🚓🎉

We are grateful for their service, dedication, and commitment to our community. Wishing both of you a wonderful day filled with appreciation and blessings.

Happy Birthday, Constables! 🥳👏

07/24/2025

06/18/2025

🚔 Training Accomplishment 🚨

We’re proud to share that Constables Timmy Brooks (District 4) and Chris Ogle (District 6) have successfully completed the DUI Detection & Standardized Field Sobriety Testing course.

This intensive, hands-on training was hosted by the Rutledge Police Department and provided by the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO), with instruction from experienced law enforcement professionals representing agencies across both East and West Tennessee.

A special THANK YOU to the THSO and Rutledge PD for making this valuable training opportunity available. Your commitment to officer education and roadway safety helps make a difference in every Tennessee community.

🚫 DUI puts lives at risk. If you’re under the influence, don’t drive. Make a plan, call a ride, and arrive alive.



📸 Pictured (L–R): Instructor Brian Sulfridge, Constable Timmy Brooks, Constable Chris Ogle, Instructor Jay Phelps

06/09/2025

🚨 VOTING IS NOW OPEN! 🚨
📸 2025 Tennessee’s Best-Looking Cruiser Contest
🏆 Help put Jefferson County on the map!

The Jefferson County Constable’s Office is excited to be part of the 21st Annual Law Enforcement Challenge, and we need YOUR help to win Tennessee’s Best-Looking Cruiser Award!

🗳 Cast your vote here:
🔗 https://tntrafficsafety.org/cruiser-voting-2025

🚓 We’re proud to be one of only two local agencies competing – alongside our neighbors at the Dandridge Police Department. Let’s show the rest of Tennessee that Jefferson County shows up strong!

✅ Voting Rules:
🔹 Open to the public - no account needed
🔹 One vote per person (one email address only)
🔹 You must vote for three different agencies:
1st = 3 points
2nd = 2 points
3rd = 1 point
❌ Duplicate agency votes = disqualified ballot

🕔 Voting ends Friday, June 20
⏰ 4:00 PM CT / 5:00 PM ET

🏁 The winner will be announced at the Law Enforcement Challenge on August 8!

Let’s rally behind Jefferson County and bring this award home!
💙 Thank you for your continued support!

County Sheriff's Office,Tennessee

06/01/2025

🇺🇸 Happy Statehood Day, Tennessee! 🎉

On June 1, 1796, Tennessee officially became the 16th state in the Union and from the very beginning, Constables have been part of our state’s history.

Tennessee’s very first Constitution required that each county have Constables, recognizing the vital role they play in keeping communities safe and upholding the law. That means Constables have proudly served the people of Tennessee for as long as Tennessee has been a state - 229 years and counting!

Today, we honor our state’s founding and all those who have helped uphold justice and order since that first day of statehood. 🇺🇸👮‍♂️

05/15/2025

🇺🇸 Peace Officers Memorial Day 🇺🇸
Jefferson County Constable’s Office

Today, on Peace Officers Memorial Day, we solemnly honor and remember all law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. We pay special tribute to Constable James Lee Thomas, the only Jefferson County Constable known to have fallen in service to our community.

On the early morning of April 11, 1946, Constable Thomas joined the county sheriff, a deputy, and another constable in a raid on an illegal still near the Jefferson-Cocke County line. As they approached from different directions, Constable Thomas and the sheriff were tragically mistaken for suspects and fired upon by federal agents from the Internal Revenue Service Alcohol Tax Unit, who were also surveilling the site. Constable Thomas was fatally shot in this heartbreaking case of mistaken identity.

His sacrifice remains a solemn reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face, even when working toward a common goal. Constable Thomas’s legacy of service and dedication continues to inspire us.

To his family, and to the families of all fallen officers, we extend our deepest gratitude and unwavering support. Your loved ones will never be forgotten.

🕊️ “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” – Matthew 5:9

05/08/2025

Constable Gordon Hall had the pleasure of joining fellow law enforcement officers in strengthening community ties and building lasting relationships.

We are proud to work alongside dedicated public officials and partner agencies throughout Jefferson County to serve and protect our communities together.

05/05/2025

🚨 Lifesaving Teamwork in Strawberry Plains 🚨

Thanks to quick action, community training, and the grace of God, Bob Berry is alive today after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest in March.

Bob’s nephew, Daniel Green—a CPR-certified teacher at Northview Academy—was first on scene. Constable Chris Ogle, who was responding as a volunteer firefighter, arrived shortly after with an AED provided through a 2022 Jefferson Healthcare Foundation grant to all eleven Constables. That AED helped restart Bob’s heart.

🗣 “We train, we carry the gear, and we show up—but ultimately, God was the number one lifesaver that day,” said Constable Ogle.

First responders from the New Market VFD, Jefferson County EMS, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and others worked together seamlessly. It was a true group effort.

💬 “We’re incredibly proud of how well our agencies work together when lives are on the line,” said Constable Jacob Thompson.

Bob and his wife Debbie, both retired educators, are now back home and beyond thankful.

🙏 A huge THANK YOU to everyone who responded. Your training, teamwork, and faith saved a life that day.

Please keep an eye out in The Standard Banner for the full story!



Pictured L-R: Daniel Green, Debbie Berry, Chris Ogle, Bob Berry.

04/22/2025

Tonight we honored three men who have given not only their time, but their hearts, to the service and safety of Jefferson County - our former Constables: David Kelley, Nathan Thurman, and Mackey Wilson.

Together, these men have answered hundreds of emergency calls - many in the middle of the night, many without recognition, and all without asking for a single dime of taxpayer money. Their dedication has been steady, selfless, and deeply rooted in a love for this community and their impact is immeasurable.

Constable David Kelley has served our county with honor for 18 years. His quiet professionalism and unwavering presence have been a source of security for countless citizens.

Constable Nathan Thurman has given 16 years of service, and Constable Mackey Wilson, 5 years. But what makes their stories even more special is that they both followed in the footsteps of their fathers - continuing a legacy of community protection and service that spans generations.

These men have stood in the gap when needed most - supporting other law enforcement, assisting with special events, responding to emergencies, and being a trusted, local presence when every second mattered.

This is more than a recognition of years - it’s an acknowledgment of impact. Their work has kept this county safer, more connected, and more resilient. As a community, we are stronger because of them. And as a county, we must recognize that Constables are not just a tradition - they are a critical piece of our public safety system.

President Reagan once said to law enforcement officers in 1982:

“You represent the thin blue line between order and chaos, between decency and lawlessness, between civilization and anarchy.”

Our Constables stand on that line every day - not for recognition or reward, but out of love for their community.

Let us not take their service for granted. Let us honor it, support it, and ensure the office of Constable continues for generations to come.

We wish you all well in your future endeavors and we thank you for your service to Jefferson County.

03/24/2025

Jefferson County Constables Use Grant Equipment to Treat Gunshot Victim

The Jefferson County Constables are pleased to announce that they have received a generous grant from the Jefferson Health Care Foundation, administered through the East Tennessee Foundation. This funding has allowed for the acquisition of critical life-saving equipment to further enhance their ability to serve and protect the community.

Each of the eleven Constables has been equipped with the following gear:

Bulletproof vests with soft armor

Rifle armor with carrier and outer carrier with ID panels

Six tourniquets

Two tourniquet holsters

EMS shears

Rescue pen

Guardian Angel wearable personal light

LifeVac choking rescue device

Fully stocked first aid kit

Water rescue throw device

5 pound fire extinguisher

Just days after receiving these essential supplies, Constable Brandon Hager and former Constable Mackey Wilson utilized their equipment in August 2024 in the field during a response to a shooting incident in Dandridge, where they provided life-saving care to a gunshot victim.

We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the Jefferson Health Care Foundation for their unwavering support in ensuring our Constables are fully equipped to meet the needs of Jefferson County citizens.