JCPD officer named 'Officer of the Year' for service during Helene
Share this @internewscast.com

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Johnson City Police Department (JCPD) has honored Officer Sharrell Dykes as the “Law Enforcement Officer of the Year” for 2024-2025, recognizing his courage and commitment during Hurricane Helene.

On Sept. 27, Dykes reminded JCPD leadership that the department had a 5-ton military truck for emergencies, a news release from the JCPD stated.

During the hurricane’s impact on the region, flooding reportedly left eight deputies from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and a K9 stranded in the Embreeville area.

According to the JCPD, Dykes quickly retrieved a truck with the assistance of a Washington County Sheriff’s Office employee and went to assist the trapped deputies and K9 without any delay.

“The journey and the return were concerning because many roads and some bridges were impassable due to the flooding,” the release said. “At one point, water gushed over the hood and into the truck. Officer Dykes said he feared the water would sweep the 5-ton vehicle away, but courage under pressure saved the day, and everyone made it home safely.”

The award, presented by the American Legion Department of Tennessee, consists of 155 local posts that had the opportunity to nominate a local law enforcement officer.

Courtesy of the Johnson City Police Department

American Legion Kings Mountain Post 24, located in Johnson City, nominated Officer Dykes.

“I’m honored to receive this award from the American Legion,” Officer Dykes said in a news release. “I accept it on behalf of all the first responders who stepped up during Hurricane Helene. It was a true team effort, and I’m proud to serve alongside such dedicated men and women.”

JCPD Chief Billy Church said in the release the department is proud to see Dykes recognized at the state level for his leadership displayed during Hurricane Helene.

“This award is a testament not just to his actions that day, but to who he is every day,” Church said.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Teenager missing for almost two weeks was last spotted in Chicago

CHICAGO A search continues this week for a teen girl who Chicago…

Savoy Resident Charged with Illegal Weapon Possession After Child Battery Investigation

A 28-year-old man from Savoy, identified as Latroy Hodges, was taken into…

Moderna’s COVID-19 Vaccine for Kids Receives Full FDA Approval

() Moderna reports it has received full approval from the U.S. Food…

Twin sisters in Texas Generate $10,000 for Camp Mystic by Selling Lemonade

() Nine-year-old twins who attended summer camps devastated by recent flooding have…

PERMISSION REVOKED: Lawmakers initially refused, later allowed to visit Alligator Alcatraz

Lawmakers at both state and federal levels have been invited to visit…

Operation Kid Forward: Experiencing a Day as a Pilot

SAVANNAH, Ga. () — Flying a plane is a rare experience, and…

Truck Driver Surrenders After Watching News Story on Dog Dragged Behind Vehicle

SPRING VALLEY, Calif. (KSWB/KUSI) – The owner of a dog that was…

Tragic Accident Involving Toombs County Deputy Claims Teen’s Life

TOOMBS COUNTY, Ga. () — A Toombs County deputy was involved in…

Georgia Teen, 17, Detained in Connection with Parents’ Murder

CARROLL COUNTY, Ga. () – On the morning of February 20th, 2025,…

The International Criminal Court suspects ongoing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Sudan’s Darfur region

TANZANIA – According to the International Criminal Court, war crimes and crimes…

SPD Detains Suspect Linked to May Assault

The Savannah Police Department (SPD) detained an individual on Wednesday regarding a…

White House Budget Director Claims Fed Chair Broke Renovation Rules

WASHINGTON – In a letter sent on Thursday, White House budget director…