By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–Paris Police Sgt. Tony Hutcherson received the Drum Major for Justice Award at last night’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Sgt. Hutcherson retired December 31 after 35 years with the Paris Police Department.
Former Paris Police Chief Chuck Elizondo said Hutcherson has been a mentor to young people duing his career. Hutcherson was graduated from Henry County High School in 1981 and was a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Martin. Before joining the Police Department, he worked at the Paris Parks Department under Aubrey Hunt, joining the police force in 1987.
A large contingent of family and friends were on hand for Hutcherson’s award presentation, including his wife, Debbie, daughter, granddaughter and extended family members. Elizondo noted that Hutcherson comes from a family of 13. A contingent from the Paris Police Department also was on hand.
“He’s always been a communicator,” he said. “Little kids flock to him. He could always talk to anybody. When we were having trouble in an interview with a suspect, Tony could always talk to them. I would always want him by my side in dangerous situations.”
Rev. Larry George presented the keynote address, noting that “being born the same day as Dr. King has been a blessing and a burden because I always wanted to extend the legacy of Dr. King, but tonight is another opportunity for that.”
He said, “We all can extend his legacy. No one should be excluded from this journey. It doesn’t make sense that we worship the same God, but can’t help each other. That doesn’t make sense.”
Rev. George praised the Paris community, noting the diversity of the crowd at last night’s celebration. “I applaud your town for all the non-African-Americans you have at tonight’s service for Dr. King. That’s unhead of in othe communities,” he said.
A panel of Judge Vicki Snyder, Rev. Emily Walker, Reggie Caldwell, Rev. Janie Dandridge and Rev. Larry George spoke about community relations, Dr. King’s impact and how his impact could grow.
Photo: Rev. Andre Richardson, left, points to Sgt. Tony Hutcherson as he and Rev. John Dandridge, right, present the Drum Major for Justice Award to him. Shannon McFarlin photo.