BCSO names 2025 announces employees of the year and other award winners
December 10, 2025
Maryville, Tennessee – Blount County Sheriff James Lee Berrong announced the 2025 Sheriff’s Office Employees of the Year and awarded multiple commendations during the Employee Appreciation Luncheon Wednesday.
Congratulations to the three BCSO Employees of the Year – Deputy Samantha Baliles, Deputy Natalie McMurray, and Deputy Richard Eggers. All three deputies serve as SROs and were selected as employees of the year due to their diligence and quick actions in regard to two separate incidents in 2025 in which they investigated potential gun violence and were able to arrest the students who were involved quickly.
Sheriff Berrong and the Sheriff’s Citizens Academy Alumni Association also recognized all of the 2025 Employees of the Month, as follows:
January – Deputy Owen Solmen, Deputy Payton Sudduth
February – Deputy Joel Hollingsworth, Deputy Zach Kee, and Deputy Benjamin Peagler
March – Deputy Josiah Miller
April – Deputy Natalie McMurray & Deputy Richard Eggers
May – Deputy Joseph Maus
October – Deputy Christian Cook, Deputy Sharron Moore, Deputy Brett Cooper
November – Investigator Brett Orr
December – Deputy Samantha Baliles
**Note – June, July, August, and September there were no selections.
In addition to the recognition of the Employee of the Year and Employees of the Month, Sheriff Berrong also awarded multiple commendations and citations, as follows:
Commendation of Excellence – Deputy Christian Cook. Deputy Cook received this commendation due to his actions on October 15, 2025 when he fought a suicidal man who was armed with a knife. Deputy Cook fought the man, who attempted to take Deputy Cook’s service weapon, for several minutes before back-up arrived to assist.
The Commendation of Excellence is awarded to a deputy who demonstrates bravery at the imminent risk of serious bodily injury in an extremely dangerous situation. The Commendation of Excellence is the second highest commendation conferred by the Sheriff’s Office.
Lifesaving Commendations:
Sgt. Gary Perkins
Deputy Joel Hollingsworth
Deputy Brett Cooper
Deputy Sharron Moore
Deputy Brian Gross
Deputy Clyde Ingle
The Lifesaving Commendation is conferred up0on a sworn or civilian employee who is directly responsible for saving a life.
Sheriff Berrong also recognized two deputies who recently retired from the Sheriff’s Office. Lt. Rod Myers served for 26 years in Adult Corrections. Deputy Greg Tucker is retiring effective December 31. Deputy Tucker served as a corrections deputy for eight years. Tennessee Representative Jerome Moon was also present and presented both deputies with certificates signed by Governor Bill Lee as well as a U.S. flag flown over the State Capitol.
In addition, Sheriff Berrong acknowledged and thanked four deputies who are currently on military deployment: Deputy Caleb Smith, Deputy Tyler Henson, Deputy Rob Reece, and, Investigator Brett Orr.
Congratulations to all of our deputies who were recognized during the luncheon. Sheriff Berrong is proud of each of you!
Sheriff Berrong would also like to thank the Maryville Police Department for providing patrol services during the lunch, the Sheriff’s Citizen’s Academy Alumni Association for recognizing the Employees of the Month and Year, as well as Denso Manufacturing, Five Star Catering, and First Fruits Catering for providing lunch.