FROM THE SHERIFF’S DESK
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A Message from Sheriff Julian Wiser
Madison County Sheriff’s Office
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable summer season. Our deputies are working diligently to ensure that neighborhoods throughout Madison County remain safe. We are greatly assisted in this mission by vigilant citizens, such as yourself, who report suspicious or criminal activity. Members of Neighborhood Watch programs are especially attentive, and we thank you for serving as an extra set of eyes and ears in your communities. Remember, “neighbors helping neighbors” is the foundation of any successful Neighborhood Watch.
As vacation season begins, we encourage residents to take advantage of our Home Security Patrol program. Citizens may submit a Vacation Patrol Request Form available on our website at www.mcso-tn.org under the "Resources" tab. Once submitted, our patrol division will periodically check your residence while you are away. Please also review the home safety tips provided on our website to help protect your property.
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office reminds all gun owners of the importance of securing firearms in the home, particularly when children are present. Children are often naturally curious about guns, and that curiosity can sometimes lead to preventable tragedies. To promote firearm safety, our office uses the Eddie Eagle GunSafe® Program to educate students in grades K-4. This nationally recognized program teaches children essential gun safety principles through memorable and easy-to-follow messages.
Our “It’s the Law” campaign continues to highlight Tennessee’s Move Over Law, which requires motorists to change lanes or slow down when approaching emergency or service vehicles stopped on the roadway. This law has significantly improved safety conditions for law enforcement officers, first responders, and road service workers. We urge all drivers to observe this law and exercise caution behind the wheel. Speeding and distracted driving remain leading causes of motor vehicle crashes—please do your part to keep our roads safe.
Lastly, we encourage continued support and prayers for the men and women serving our country, both at home and abroad. Your ongoing support for the Madison County Sheriff’s Office is appreciated as we work each day to protect and serve this community.
Julian Wiser
Madison County Sheriff
Madison County Sheriff’s Office
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable summer season. Our deputies are working diligently to ensure that neighborhoods throughout Madison County remain safe. We are greatly assisted in this mission by vigilant citizens, such as yourself, who report suspicious or criminal activity. Members of Neighborhood Watch programs are especially attentive, and we thank you for serving as an extra set of eyes and ears in your communities. Remember, “neighbors helping neighbors” is the foundation of any successful Neighborhood Watch.
As vacation season begins, we encourage residents to take advantage of our Home Security Patrol program. Citizens may submit a Vacation Patrol Request Form available on our website at www.mcso-tn.org under the "Resources" tab. Once submitted, our patrol division will periodically check your residence while you are away. Please also review the home safety tips provided on our website to help protect your property.
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office reminds all gun owners of the importance of securing firearms in the home, particularly when children are present. Children are often naturally curious about guns, and that curiosity can sometimes lead to preventable tragedies. To promote firearm safety, our office uses the Eddie Eagle GunSafe® Program to educate students in grades K-4. This nationally recognized program teaches children essential gun safety principles through memorable and easy-to-follow messages.
Our “It’s the Law” campaign continues to highlight Tennessee’s Move Over Law, which requires motorists to change lanes or slow down when approaching emergency or service vehicles stopped on the roadway. This law has significantly improved safety conditions for law enforcement officers, first responders, and road service workers. We urge all drivers to observe this law and exercise caution behind the wheel. Speeding and distracted driving remain leading causes of motor vehicle crashes—please do your part to keep our roads safe.
Lastly, we encourage continued support and prayers for the men and women serving our country, both at home and abroad. Your ongoing support for the Madison County Sheriff’s Office is appreciated as we work each day to protect and serve this community.
Julian Wiser
Madison County Sheriff
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GUN SAFETY
The numbers are alarming. According to Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions, firearms were the leading cause of death to children and teens ages 1-17 in Tennessee for 2022. Most were incidents involving the child/teen finding and handling a firearm within their home. Of the 79 deaths; nearly half involved the child acting alone, while the remaining incidents involved a child killing a sibling or other relative. One incident of a child/teen being injured or killed by a firearm is one too many. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office offers firearm locks to citizens. These are free to the public. You may contact Lieutenant Allen Castleman at 731-423-2016 for information about receiving a firearm lock. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office also educates children in grades K-4 in gun safety. By using the Eddie Eagle Gunsafe Program, children learn easy slogans to help them make safe choices when they are in the presence of firearms. You can learn more about the Eddie Eagle program by visiting www.eddieeagle.nra.org |
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IT’S THE LAW
“Struck-by vehicle” incidents remain one of the leading causes of injury-related deaths among law enforcement officers. These tragic events occur when an officer is hit by a vehicle while working outside their patrol unit—most often while responding to traffic collisions. In 2024 alone, 19 law enforcement officers across the United States lost their lives due to struck-by incidents.
Tennessee’s Move Over Law, enacted in 2006, is part of the broader Failure to Yield to Emergency Vehicles Law (T.C.A. § 55-8-132). This law requires motorists to move over into an adjacent lane when approaching an emergency vehicle that is stopped on the roadside—provided it is safe to do so. If changing lanes is not possible, drivers must significantly reduce speed when passing the emergency vehicle.
In 2011, the law was expanded to include utility service vehicles, adding another layer of protection for workers operating along roadways. Today, all 50 states have enacted some form of “Move Over” legislation. Tennessee was the 30th state to do so.
Violating Tennessee’s Move Over Law can result in serious penalties. Offenders may face a fine of up to $500 and up to 30 days in jail. Repeat violations may result in increased fines and additional consequences.
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office urges all motorists to remain alert to the presence of emergency personnel and vehicles. Scan the road ahead for potential hazards, reduce speed in high-risk areas, and stay focused. Distracted driving endangers everyone on the road.
By following Tennessee law and staying vigilant, we can protect those who protect us—and make our roads safer for everyone.
“Struck-by vehicle” incidents remain one of the leading causes of injury-related deaths among law enforcement officers. These tragic events occur when an officer is hit by a vehicle while working outside their patrol unit—most often while responding to traffic collisions. In 2024 alone, 19 law enforcement officers across the United States lost their lives due to struck-by incidents.
Tennessee’s Move Over Law, enacted in 2006, is part of the broader Failure to Yield to Emergency Vehicles Law (T.C.A. § 55-8-132). This law requires motorists to move over into an adjacent lane when approaching an emergency vehicle that is stopped on the roadside—provided it is safe to do so. If changing lanes is not possible, drivers must significantly reduce speed when passing the emergency vehicle.
In 2011, the law was expanded to include utility service vehicles, adding another layer of protection for workers operating along roadways. Today, all 50 states have enacted some form of “Move Over” legislation. Tennessee was the 30th state to do so.
Violating Tennessee’s Move Over Law can result in serious penalties. Offenders may face a fine of up to $500 and up to 30 days in jail. Repeat violations may result in increased fines and additional consequences.
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office urges all motorists to remain alert to the presence of emergency personnel and vehicles. Scan the road ahead for potential hazards, reduce speed in high-risk areas, and stay focused. Distracted driving endangers everyone on the road.
By following Tennessee law and staying vigilant, we can protect those who protect us—and make our roads safer for everyone.
Please contact Lieutenant Castleman
at 731-423-2016 with suggestions for The Lookout!
at 731-423-2016 with suggestions for The Lookout!