Fallen McNairy County Sgt. among those honored during ‘Three Stars of Tennessee Award’ ceremony
PRESS RELEASE FROM THE TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF SAFETY & HOMELAND SECURITY:
TENNESSEE – Monday at the 2025 “Three Stars of Tennessee Award” ceremony, Governor Bill Lee and State Senator Becky Duncan Massey joined Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Jeff Long and Deputy Commissioner Greg Mays to honor and remember five first responders who died or suffered a career-ending injury in the line of duty.
2025 “Three Stars of Tennessee Award” Honorees
Trooper Adam Cothron, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Cookeville District, Troop E
While working a special enforcement campaign in Putnam County on July 19, 2024, Trooper Adam Cothron was shot resulting in critical injuries. The gunman and his accomplice fled the scene and after a large scale multiagency, multistate investigation, both suspects were apprehended and are now navigating the criminal justice system. As a State Trooper, Cothron was selected for the prestigious Interdiction Plus and K-9 units. He also served as a Deputy Sheriff in Trousdale County.
Sergeant Rick Finley, McNairy County Sheriff’s Office and Selmer Police Department
On Dec. 14, 2024, Sergeant Rick Finley, responded to a suspicious person complaint to find the subject attempting to break into a home. The subject attacked Finley, shooting him multiple times. The subject was then shot and killed by another responding officer. Finley served his community as a full-time deputy with the McNairy County Sheriff’s Office and a part-time officer for the Selmer Police Department. He also previously served in the Army National Guard. Finley is survived by his wife and four children.
Officer Demetrice Johnson, Memphis Police Department, North Main Station
On Aug. 2, 2024, while on patrol, Officer Demetrice Johnson’s cruiser was struck at a high rate of speed by a driver who had lost consciousness after being shot. Johnson, whose dream was to serve his community as a police officer, was still in the Field Training Program having graduated from the Memphis Police Department Training Academy just five months before the crash. He is survived by his wife and son.
Commander Anthony McClain, Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, North Precinct
Commander Anthony McClain, a 27-year veteran of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD), experienced a medical emergency in his office on Feb. 13, 2025, and passed away from complications on March 9. McClain was head of operations at the North Precinct overseeing 22% of Davidson County. Before joining MNPD, he served in the United States Air Force. McClain is survived by his wife and three sons.
Captain George Turley, Chattanooga Fire Department, Station 16
Captain George Turley, a 31-year veteran of the Chattanooga Fire Department (CFD), suffered a medical emergency on Dec. 14, 2024, at Station 16. Members of his crew and hospital staff administered lifesaving efforts, but he ultimately succumbed. In addition to his work with CFD, Turley also taught for the Tennessee Valley Authority as an Instructional Specialist for Emergency Response Training and worked for Tennessee Fire Equipment. Turley is survived by his wife and two sons.
“It is deeply humbling to join the “Three Stars of Tennessee Award” ceremony, where we pay tribute to courageous first responders of our state,” said Senator Massey. “These brave men and women and their stories embody the Tennessee spirit of selflessness and dedication. This ceremony is about honoring their lives and service as we uphold our commitment and support for those who keep our communities safe.”
The “Three Stars of Tennessee Award” was created in 2014 by the Tennessee General Assembly (TCA 4-1-501). Following the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, Senator Massey spearheaded the effort to develop a special statewide recognition for public servants who, in the line of duty, were killed or suffered a career-ending injury. The “Three Stars of Tennessee Award” is managed by the Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s Office of Homeland Security.
“Today we honor the service and sacrifice of the “Three Stars of Tennessee Award” recipients, and grieve with their loved ones,” said Commissioner Long. “We are proud to recognize these brave and selfless first responders who lost their life or suffered a career-ending injury while working to ensure the safety and security of their fellow Tennesseans.”
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