For Blount County law enforcement, the holiday festivities began early in December with annual awards presentations and a few more down-home recognitions.
Retired Maryville Police Deputy Chief and active detective Art King received the Maryville Police Department 2024 Reserve Officer of the Year award. King was recognized for reopening a decades-old cold case, leading to the indictment of a suspect nearly 40 years after the murder of a local man.
Two other MPD officers were awarded at the state level by the Tennessee Highway Safety Office for meritorious enforcement of traffic-related laws. Sgt. Belitz received the Distracted Driving Enforcement Award, and Cpl. Ayers received the Seatbelt Enforcement Award…