By Shannon McFarlin WENK/WTPR News Director
Paris, Tenn.— Paris Police Lt. Ean Reed was named Officer of the Year and Katie Braham was named Dispatcher of the Year at a ceremony held Wednesday at Paris City Hall.
In presenting the Officer of the Year plaque to Reed, Police Chief Chuck Elizondo noted that Reed also had been named Officer of the Year in 2009. Joining the force in 1999, Reed was prooted to Sergeant in 2010 and Lieutenant in 2016.
A former Marine, Reed served four years in the Marine Corps before returning to Henry County. He has served as the department’s firearms instructor since 2004, chemical weapons instructor since 2008, and taser instructor since 2009.
Reed has been married to his wife, Carrie, for 17 years and they have two daughters, Emily and Abigail.
Captain John Brewer noted Reed “wants to make this department better. He does so many extra things, but not for extra pay.”
Katie Braham has been a dispatcher since 2017 and Elizondo noted her warm personality has been a real asset to the department. “She has said that she enjoys every minute of being a dispatcher,” he said.
The daughter of Violet Roberts, she is married to Zack Braham and they have two children, Carson and Isabella.
With her children, she is involved in baseball, softball and is treasurer of the Harrelson School PTO.
The annual ceremony is held during National Peace Officers Memorial Week and Elizondo noted that it is a way to acknowledge fallen officers as well as the good work being done by current officers.
“Our job has become tougher and tougher every year. We have to be on guard at all times, any time you are in uniform you are a target. It’s a sad situation,” Elizondo said. “But as the same time, people stop us and thank us for our service more than they every have before and we appreciate that.”
911 Director Mark Archer told the Paris police officers and first responders in attendance, “Thank you for risking your lives for us on a day to day basis.” He noted that in Henry County, all the first responders work as a team. “God Bless all of you and stay safe,” he said.
City Manager Kim Foster said, “Each of you strives to make improvements and you show your character. We truly appreciate what you do every day.”
In attendance at the ceremony were city police officers, dispatchers, City Council members Terry Fuller, Jackie Jones, Gayle Griffith and Sam Tharpe. Also in attendance was retired Captain Tom Lankford.
Photos:
Top photo, Katie Braham and Lt. Ean Reed with their awards; middle photo, Dispatch Supervisor Kelvin Redditt presents plaque to Braham while Chief Elizondo looks on; bottom, Lt. John Brewer presents plaque to Reed. (Shannon McFarlin photos).
Menu
