09/24/25: Combined Public Safety Event with THSO, WSCCPD, HCSO, MPD, THP
The Tennessee Highway Safety Office, in conjunction with the Walters State Police Department, Hamblen County Sheriff’s Office, Morristown Police Department and Tennessee Highway Patrol, will host a free Hamblen County Public Safety & Driver Awareness Event on Wed., Sept. 24th. It will take place in the parking lot of Walters State Community College from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
According to THSO East Tennessee Law Enforcement Liaison and CTR staff member, Armando Fontes, this will be the first event of its kind in the Lakeway Area.
“This is an opportunity for local law enforcement and the community to come together for a fun and informative event concerning public safety,” Fontes stated. “In addition to law enforcement, there will be other agencies onsite offering public safety tips ranging from child passenger safety, identity theft, elder safety, to motorcycle safety and more.”
Fontes added that attendees will experience a wide range of interactive experiences, obtain safety literature and free handouts, and go home with a better understanding of how to keep themselves and their families safe.
Other organizations scheduled to participate include The Tennessee Truckers Foundation, who will offer insight on driving a semi and dealing with blind spots. Attendees will be given a chance to sit in the driver’s seat to experience a truck driver’s viewpoint. A pedal car display will also give participants a chance to maneuver through a cone course, while wearing impairment goggles.
The UT Center for Transportation will have a special piece of equipment on hand in which participants will be belted in order to experience a simulated car crash while traveling at a speed of 5-7 miles per hour. This device is called the “Seatbelt Convincer”, and it is typically used by CTR’s #GetConvinced teen driver safety program, which you can read more about on the #GetConvinced web page.
AAA will have information about their ‘Crashes Hit Different’ campaign and proper vehicle maintenance and Colboch Motorcycle Sales will be on site with literature about motorcycle safety and safe riding gear.
THP, Ballad Health, and the Tennessee Occupant Protection Center will conduct child seat safety checks and the THP will also have information on recruiting new troopers.
Fontes added that each host agencies will also have literature and interactive opportunities for event attendees.
“We’re excited to bring this to the citizens of Hamblen County,” Fontes said. “Our goal is to have fun and raise awareness, but more importantly to help save lives.”