Three Shelby County area students were honored today by the Tennessee Law Enforcement Officers’ Association for writing essays. Several Deputies with the Sheriff’s Office are part of the association. The students were honored today at a ceremony at Sheriff’s Office headquarters at the Criminal Justice Center.

AWARDS (L to R) Sheriff’s Office Inspector Bill Allen, Board of Directors, Tennessee Law Enforcement Officers’ Assn, Chief Inspector Joe Ruff, Director, Sheriff’s Office Training Academy, member of TLEOA, Parker Blake, 3rd Place Winner, Linsey Tate, 1st Place Winner, Mary Sampson, 2nd Place Winner, Deputy Charles Blohm, Jr., Sheriff’s Office Pistol Range, member of TLEOA and Shelby County Sheriff Mark H. Luttrell, Jr. WINNERS (L to R) Parker Blake from Pisgah Middle School, 3rd Place Winner, Linsey Tate also from Pisgah Middle School, 1st Place Winner, and Mary Sampson from Riverview Middle School, 2nd Place Winner

“We appreciate this opportunity to honor these students for their stance against the dangers of alcohol and drugs. These young people are to be commended for their efforts to steer clear of a life of crime,” said Shelby County Sheriff Mark H. Luttrell, Jr.

The students expressed their views in the essay contest titled, “Why I Will Say No to Alcohol and Drugs.” The cash prize winners are:

• First Place-Lindsey Tate-Mt. Pisgah Middle School-$300.00
• Second Place-Mary Sampson-Riverview Middle School-$200.00
• Third Place-Parker Blake-Mt. Pisgah Middle School-$100.00

The annual competition was open to 8th graders from public or private schools in Memphis and Shelby County. Home-schooled students were also eligible.

Several Deputies who are members of the Tennessee Law Enforcement Officers’ Association assisted Sheriff Luttrell with the presentations at today’s ceremony.