On December 4, 2018, three officers of the Morristown Police Department (MPD) were recognized during the Tennessee Highway Safety Office’s (THSO) Awards Ceremony in Greeneville, TN.  Officer Lucas Watson was recognized as THSO Officer of the Year, Officer Shelby Holt received an award for Beyond the Stop and Officer Adam Winstead was awarded with DUI Officer of the Year.

Officer Lucas Watson was nominated for THSO Officer of the year for his continual efforts in traffic enforcement.  During the nomination period, he issued 273 citations and made 85 arrests. His efforts have made Morristown a safer community in which to drive, live and visit. Officer Watson has served the citizens of Morristown for over 14 years; he has been a K-9 Handler for 9 of those years.  His K-9 partner, Baxl, is a dual purpose narcotics dog.  In addition to his regular patrol duties, Officer Watson and Baxl perform drug interdiction.

Officer Shelby Holt’s Beyond the Stop award stems from a significant drug arrest that occurred in October.  She conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle she observed speeding; upon further investigation, she detected a strong odor of marijuana from inside the vehicle. As a result of stopping a vehicle for speeding, more than 2 pounds of suspected marijuana was discovered, $8,120.00 of counterfeit money was confiscated and a stolen handgun from Georgia was recovered.  Officer Holt is a patrol officer has served with the Morristown Police Department since October 30, 2017.

Officer Adam Winstead was named DUI Officer of the Year.   Officer Winstead leads the MPD in DUI arrests.  During the court process, all DUI offenders he arrested pled guilty.  According to Assistant District Attorney Kim Morrison, “Officer Winstead has excellent preparation for court.”  He has served the community as patrol officer of the Morristown Police Department for a little over three years.

Chief Roger Overholt stated, “We commend the officers on their awards and efforts in traffic enforcement.  All MPD officers strive to help make our community safer and traffic enforcement is vital for keeping citizens safe during their day to day activities.”