By Shannon McFarlin WENK/WTPR News Director
Paris, Tenn.—It was a night for proclamations, presentations and accolades at a lengthy Henry Co. Commission session Monday night.
At the conclusion of a presentation by new County Medical Examiner Dr. Scott Portis and his staff, outgoing medical examiners Danny Tucker and M.L. Bailey were presented with the Loyal Patriot Awards, which are the highest award that can be bestowed on Henry Countians.
Earlier in the meeting, the commissioners also heard at length from representatives of the Natural Resource Conservation Services and the Henry County Watershed District.
Both Tucker and Bailey are retiring after lengthy careers as first responders, although Tucker said he will still be involved on a part-time basis. Bailey was the first paramedic in Henry Co. and Tucker has been involved over 40 years in the coroner’s office, ambulance service and rescue squad. Both Tucker and Bailey worked together for 16 ½ years.
The Loyal Patriot Awards were presented by Henry Co. Mayor Brent Greer.
Dr. Portis provided an overview of the new duties expected of the Medical Examiner’s office and introduced his four staff members: Matthew McClure, Debbie Traver, Diann McGuire and Bruce Herron.
Portis said, “We’ll follow the letter of the law. That won’t always be popular, but believe me, that’s what we’re going to do.”
Portis noted a major challenge facing his office now is the ongoing and worsening opioid crisis and the number of death investigations—and sometimes autopsies—which go along with that. Autopsies are being required more and more by the state and are very expensive, he said, noting that toxicology reports will be sought instead whenever possible. “But if we need to get one, we’ll get one,” he said.
Officials from the local Watershed District and Natural Rsources Conservation Services were on hand to discuss the status of the county’s 12 watershed dams. Officials said seven of the dams in the county are exhibiting significant risk factors.
The dams were built in the 1960s for flood retention and have fulfilled that goal. Before they were built, flooding and runoff caused damage to crops, roads, bridges and pastureland. That damage also caused disruption to traffic, mail delivery, school bus schedules and more.
Watershed District President Tommy Townsend said an assessment recently concluded that the county’s watershed dams don’t meet current standards and will need rehabilitation.
Officials recommended zoning restrictions also may be needed to hinder development downstream.
Officials said federal funding is available now that would finance further assessments and rehab, which will be considered by the commissioners.
Top photo: From left, Bailey and Tucker honored with Loyal Patriot Awards from Greer; bottom photo, commissioners listen to the watershed presentation. (Shannon McFarlin photos).
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