Area officers form special team

By Staff
John Hicks FCT Staff Writer
On Friday, local law enforcement officials unveiled a new crime-fighting unit that they say will make Franklin County a safer place for citizens and police officers.
"This is like stepping out of the Old West into a new generation," said Franklin County Sheriff Larry Plott. "We are now prepared for whatever the future brings."
The Special Response Team will be available to any jurisdiction in the county. Every full-time department in the county was invited to participate, officials said.
The Franklin County Sheriff's Department, Red Bay Police Department, Russellville Police Department, Russellville Fire Department, and Franklin County District Attorney's Office all contribute to the team.
"We've been working together on this for a long time," said Plott, referring to the other departments who make up the SRT team. "Finally, we're seeing the results."
The SRT will execute high-risk search and arrest warrants and help combat crystal methamphetamine dealers. The team will also be at the ready to respond to situations where other officers might be outgunned or outnumbered.
Law enforcement officials praised the team's dedication to long hours of training and hard work, and noted that team members helped defray the high cost of clothing and equipment by purchasing many necessary items out of their own pockets.
"We've been making inroads when it comes to taking down major crystal meth dealers," said Franklin County District Attorney Joey Rushing. "Many of these drug dealers now possess dangerous firepower. It's important that we fight fire with fire."
The team recently got its first taste of action when it executed a search warrant on a Russellville business where illegal gaming was taking place.
"The plan went off without a hitch," said Russellville Police Chief Chris Hargett. "The team moved so swiftly that none of the evidence was destroyed."
Red Bay Police Chief Pat Creel said the formation of the SRT showed the team members' high level of commitment to maintaining the safety of their respective jurisdictions.
"They're doing this for the communities they live in," said Creel.
Officials said requests for help from the SRT that come from outside the county will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the departments involved.