Hamilton County, TN – On Tuesday night, April 11, 2023, Sheriff Austin Garrett presented commendations to seven Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Deputies for their efforts to go above and beyond the call of duty during a vehicle pursuit and subsequent ground search for a suspect that occurred on February 4, 2023.

Those receiving commendations were HCSO Corporal Joe Sanchez and Deputies’ Frank Cimini, Tim Simulus, Chris Masterson, Chad Meyners, and Jason Smith. These individuals received a commendation for their efforts to save the life of a suspect who, after being involved in a pursuit that led deputies into Georgia, crashed and fled on foot into a wooded area in Catoosa County. A search was conducted and eventually, after hearing cries for help, deputies located the suspect in a pond attempting to elude capture with temperatures in the low twenties. The suspect was found to be suffering from hypothermia after a long exposure to freezing water conditions.

HCSO deputies immediately rendered aid and assisted with the almost three hour rescue operation with Catoosa County Fire and Rescue. During the rescue of the suspect, HCSO deputies provided coats and other items of clothing to warm the suspect, while disregarding their own safety and welfare in the freezing conditions.

The deputies involved in this incident made a rapid transition from searching for a suspect to leading a rescue operation. Their attention to detail, diligence and most of all, compassion, should be noted and commended. They exemplified the professionalism and respect for all we as an agency promote on a daily basis.

The dedication and professionalism shown by Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Corporal Joe Sanchez and Deputies’ Frank Cimini, Tim Simulus, Chris Masterson, Chad Meyners, Jason Smith, and Jonathan Ray exemplifies the role of a dedicated public servant and are in keeping with the highest standards of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.

Also on hand for the ceremony was Deputy Chief of Law Enforcement Mark King, Patrol Captain Spencer Daniels, and several of their colleagues.

Please join with us as we offer them our appreciation for going above and beyond the call of duty.