Burke County Sheriff's Office

Press Releases
Home || Contact || History || Narcotics Task Force || Divisions || Most Wanted/Crime Stoppers || D.A.R.E./Schools || Press Releases || Community Projects
March 20, 2002 
 
Sheriff Receives National Award
 
Sheriff John T. McDevitt recently received an honor award from the American Police Hall of Fame after being nominated by employees of the Sheriff's Office.
 
"I am humbled," McDevitt commented, "and more than humbled because the nomination was by the people I work side by side with on a daily basis." 
 
The public service award is given to law enforcement officers, elected officials or citizens whose leadership skills are outstanding in reducing crime or assisting departments in volunteer activities. 
 
McDevitt was cited for several incidents of meritorious conduct during his career, including placing murderer James Hutchins under arrest after an overnight manhunt in Rutherford County in 1979. Hutchins, who hours before had killed two sheriff's deputies and a highway patrolman, was sentenced to death and later executed on March 16, 1984.
 
The A.P.H.F. also recognized McDevitt for several of his administration decisions, including receiving numerous federal and state grants and his implementation of the RUOK? Program, where welfare check calls are made daily to elderly and shut-in persons.  
 
"I'm proud the A.P.H.F. awarded me in this manner, but even prouder that my employees thought enough of me to submit the nomination." McDevitt said.  
 
**************************************************************
 
Other Recent Press Releases: 
 
 
To view previous press releases, visit our archives file