Welcome to our new web site!

To give our readers a chance to experience all that our new website has to offer, we have made all content freely avaiable, through October 1, 2018.

During this time, print and digital subscribers will not need to log in to view our stories or e-editions.

Lt. Steve Russell Retires

Posted

NASHVILLE — Lieutenant Steve Russell of the Tennessee Highway Patrol retired January 31, 2020 after more than 40 years in law enforcement.
Russell was honored on his retirement by Colonel Derek Stewart, the THP’s top ranking officer. Stewart is also a McKenzie native.
Lieutenant Russell had 36 years, 10 months services with the THP. He started as a trooper in 1984 in Montgomery County and was transferred to his home county of Carroll in 1984. In 1989, he joined the Criminal Investigation Division of the THP where he served until 1996. He then served as the sergeant in Weakley County and was named was promoted to lieutenant in Weakley and Gibson counties in 1999. In 2006, he transferred as the lieutenant for Carroll, Henry and Benton counties.
His law enforcement career started as a deputy sheriff in Henry County in 1979. He served there until 1983. In 1981, he was severely injured after being shot in the face with a shotgun by a suspect. He had five surgeries to reconstruct a portion of his face.

Lt. Russell and wife, Cherry, have two sons, Lee and Travis, both of whom reside in McKenzie. Lee is a sergeant with the THP in the aviation unit. His helicopter is stationed at Carroll County Airport. Lee and wife, Mandi, have one son, Conner. Lee also started as a road deputy with the Henry County Sheriff’s Department and later joined the THP as a road trooper.
Travis is a dentist in McKenzie and works in the same clinic as his late grandfather, Dr. Harold Russell. Travis and wife, Bethany have one son, Piper.
Lt. Russell said he plans to spend his spare time with his grandchildren and wife as he decides the next chapter in his life.
“I’m too young to quit,” concluded Russell.

Tennessee Highway Patrol