Today is National Women’s Equality Day, which commemorates the ratification of the 19th Amendment that gave women the right to vote. We want to take the opportunity to recognize the women leaders of the UT Police Department for their dedication and service to UTPD and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

CAK senior Carson Welch spent her summer making baby blankets that will shelter newborns who have been surrendered in Knox County. Welch recently donated two—a pink and blue blanket—to the UT Police Department. UTPD is one of 45 facilities in Knox County that is designated as a Safe Haven, a location where a mother may surrender an unharmed newborn.

UT’s Jillian Paciello, who has been instrumental in making safety information more accessible to the campus community and the university’s Clery Act crime reporting data more effective, has been named the Clery Compliance Coordinator of the Year.

UTPD Assistant Chief Sean Patterson and his wife Anaida today were reunited with Joseph, the one-year-old baby they saved from choking on Highway 321. Blount County Sheriff James Berrong gave the Pattersons official commendations for their quick action.

A statewide organization has recognized University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Chief of Police and Associate Vice Chancellor for Public Safety Troy Lane for his leadership in improving law enforcement and helping the UT Police Department better serve the Volunteer community.

Assistant Chief Sean Patterson saved a choking baby and Corporal Brad Duerr, Officer Ahmad Marion, Corporal Billy Pike rescued an unresponsive driver last month.

UT Police Chief Troy Lane held a virtual town hall today to discuss the department’s efforts and its 2019 Quick Stats on enforcement. He also listened to feedback and answered questions from the campus community. The town hall was recorded and is available for viewing.

With students away and campus quiet, many of UT’s hidden critters have come into the open. Among them is a red fox that has been exploring campus and appearing to UT patrol officers at different hours of the day.

Kelley Kain, a UT Police Department investigator who has championed advocacy for victims of crime, has received the inaugural Rising Woman Award in recognition of those efforts.

While UTPD Officer Jalen Harris was at the police academy in Nashville, a deadly tornado swept through the area. Then came the coronavirus that seemingly overnight upended the way of life as most know it. Both events caused interruptions and changes in his training but also provided poignant lessons he said will serve him well as a police officer. Harris graduated March 23 from the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy.