Hamilton County, TN – In light of this morning’s tragic events in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Hammond has issued the following statement:

“For the second time in less than two weeks our Nation has witnessed the horrific and cowardly assassination of law enforcement officers while performing their constitutional duties and keeping their communities safe. This time, three officers were killed and numerous others were injured in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, after being ambushed by at least one known gunman.

It is imperative that the residents of Hamilton County and our Nation know that law enforcement personnel are here to protect “all” lives and that every life is precious. Law enforcement personnel are not the enemy and this type of behavior and senseless killing will not be tolerated. It has to stop...

During times like these, we must, as a community, come together and support our dedicated members of law enforcement and offer them our prayers and respect.

I have instructed our personnel to remain vigilant and steadfast. Furthermore, I have asked all division heads to issue additional internal directives to help keep our deputies and our personnel safe.

Please keep the officers and the families of those who have been killed or injured in Baton Rouge in your thoughts and prayers. It is times like this when we must look to our faith and remember all the many great things that make our Nation strong and free.

God Bless our members of law enforcement as they seek daily to perform their duties to the best of their abilities and protect all those who proudly call themselves, Americans.”