McKenzie, Tenn.–Lt. Steve Russell of McKenzie has retired from the Tennessee Highway Patrol after over 40 years in law enforcement.
Lt. Russell is a familiar face in our area, having started his law enforcement career as a deputy sheriff in Henry County in 1979. He was honored on his retirement by the THP’s top-ranking officer, Col. Dereck Stewart, who is also from McKenzie.
Lt. Russell worked 36 years with the THP, starting as a trooper in Montgomery County, after which he was transferred to his home county of Carroll in 1984. While serving as a Henry County deputy, he was seriously injured after being shot in the face with a shotgun by a suspect. He required five reconstructive surgeries after the attack.
Family and friends were at the retirement reception, including his sons, Lt. Lee Russell and Travis Russell and their families. Lt. Lee Russell is a helicopter pilot with the THP and also started his career at the Henry County Sheriff’s Office.
Photo: From left, Lt. Lee Russell, Lt. Steve Russell and Col. Dereck Stewart. (THP photo).