More than 180 law enforcement officers from various agencies in West Tennessee were honored earlier this month at an appreciation luncheon hosted by Tennessee First Lady Maria Lee and held at the Memphis campus of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.
The event April 3 was part of Tennessee Serves, a statewide initiative led by the First Lady to encourage Tennesseans to serve their communities.
During the luncheon in the Student-Alumni Center, West Tennessee first responders and law enforcement officers, including those from the Memphis area, were recognized for their vital contribution to the community.
Tennessee Commissioner of Safety and Homeland Security Advisor Jeff Long attended and spoke to the honorees. The First Lady also spoke to the gathering virtually because severe storms across the state prevented her from attending.
Campus Police Chief Anthony Berryhill and Executive Vice Chancellor Raaj Kurapati welcomed the guests to UT Health Science Center. Matthew Perry, a Colonel in Tennessee Highway Patrol, delivered brief remarks and introduced Commissioner Long.
“It was truly an honor and privilege to host the appreciation event on the UT Health Science Center campus for our law enforcement colleagues on behalf of the First Lady of Tennessee,” Kurapati said. “We are grateful for the opportunity and deeply appreciate the work all law enforcement colleagues do. Special recognition goes to the members of our UT Health Science Center Police Services, who work diligently every day to keep our campus safe. I also want to recognize the good work of colleagues in Space Planning and Police Services, who helped make this event a success.”