Madison Co. sheriff holds community meeting in Pinson

PINSON, Tenn. — Dozens of Pinson residents came out Monday night for their chance to talk one-on-one with the sheriff of Madison County about things specific to their community that have them concerned.

This meeting marked the eighteenth community meeting Sheriff John Mehr has held since taking office.  He said it’s one event he promises to continue as long as he’s on the job.

It’s a small tradition both the sheriff and the community says is needed.

“We want to be a friend to them, and them be a friend to us.” Mehr said.

The meeting brought neighbors together to fellowship and voice their concerns.

Citizens gathered at the Old Pinson School to talk to the sheriff.

“I think it’s building their relationship,” Sheriff Mehr said. “They need to know who is in their area working.”

He said it’s also a way for him to hear directly from the people and for them to tell them what’s going on in their town.

“We got a lot of traffic problems and I think that’s our main concern now, the safety when you get out of the roads.” Pinson resident JR Maness said.

Mehr says he wants the community to feel they have a voice and to know the sheriff’s department cares.

“We work as partners, and that’s the key.” Mehr said. “The community has to be a partner with us and if we’re not, then things don’t run as smooth.”

Some plans underway for the sheriffs department is increasing personnel, getting new bullet proof vest for deputies and working on training exercises in the case of emergencies.

The sheriff has not announced his next community meeting.