Buford Pusser Festival honors law enforcement, first responders

ADAMSVILLE, Tenn. — Hundreds of people were in Adamsville on Saturday for the 31st annual Buford Pusser Festival.

Families and community members gathered at the opening ceremony for a few heroes that keep people safe every day.

Among them were Dickson County Sheriff Jeff Bledsoe, who led the search for Joe Clyde Daniels, and Sgt. Daniel Baker, who was killed in the line of duty last summer. Bledsoe was named Sheriff of the Year. He also received an award on behalf of Sgt. Baker.

“For my behalf, it’s a huge honor,” Sheriff Bledsoe said. “I also want people to know that I can’t do it without all the women and men who work together at our office to do the job that we do, because day in and day out we are hit with some big challenges.”

The ceremony also honored Matthew Gatti, the Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper killed this month in a crash on Interstate 40.

An award was also presented to Patrolman James White who also died in the line of duty. Corporal Zach Moak was also honored.

“My son loved Buford Pusser,” said Laurie White, mother of the fallen officer. “Sometimes I think he kind of took some of Buford’s advice, and the law was meant for everybody with no special treatments, and that’s the way he was.”

Sarah Mote, vendor coordinator at the festival, also received a loyalty and dedication award.

“I’m just emotional and proud of Adamsville, Tennessee, and all the Pusser family,” Mote said.

This is the first festival organized without Dwana Pusser, the daughter of Sheriff Buford Pusser. She died in March 2018.