Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association Recognizes Andy Dickson for Outstanding Leadership, Service

MURFREESBORO (August 31, 2026) — Carroll County retiring Sheriff Andy Dickson was awarded the Distinguished Service Award and Sheriff Emeritus by the Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association (TSA) during the Association’s 55th Annual Conference held in Murfreesboro in August in honor of his outstanding leadership and service to the Association and the citizens of Carroll County.  Dickson was also awarded Lifetime Membership in the Association.

The Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association recognized individuals whose leadership, service and commitment have made significant contributions to law enforcement and public safety in Tennessee.

TSA Lion Award

The Lion Award is presented to individuals who demonstrate courage, leadership and perseverance, who have provided substantial and sustained support advancing Tennessee law enforcement and the Association, and whose service has improved the sheriff's profession.

The Association presented the Lion Award to incoming President Michael Van Dyke for his devotion and leadership during a challenging period for the Association. The Lion Award was also presented to retired Knoxville Police Chief Phil Keith in recognition of his sustained contributions to Tennessee law enforcement and to the Association.

Legislative Champion of the Year

The Association presented its Legislative Champion Award to Kevin Johnson, Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the House, for his steadfast guidance and assistance in advancing public safety legislation.

Additional Recognition

The Association also recognized individuals for distinguished service and contributions to Tennessee law enforcement, including Lifetime Achievement honorees and Sheriff Emeritus designees:

• Lifetime Achievement, Terry Ashe, retired Wilson County Sheriff, former Executive Director of the TSA 

• Lifetime Membership and Lifetime Achievement, Mike Wilson, retired Weakley County Sheriff 

• Distinguished Service, Michael Van Dyke, Sheriff, Roberson County Sheriff’s Office 

• Lifetime Achievement and Sheriff Emeritus, Jeff Box, retiring Sheriff, Dyer County Sheriff’s Office

• Distinguished Service, Jeff Long, former Williamson County Sheriff and Commissioner of the Department of Homeland Security

• Lifetime Membership and Distinguished Service, Ronnie Lawson, retiring Sheriff, Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office

• Lifetime Membership and Distinguished Service, Floyd Bonner, Jr. retiring Sheriff, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office

• Lifetime Membership and Sheriff Emeritus Murray Blackwelder, retired Sheriff, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office

Van Dyke said recognizing exemplary service is an important part of the Association's mission.

“These awards represent more than individual achievement,” Van Dyke said. “They recognize the professionalism, sacrifice, leadership and commitment to service that exists throughout Tennessee law enforcement. We are proud to recognize these individuals and grateful for what they have done for their communities and for our state.”

Lifetime Membership in the Association was also conferred on the following designees:

• Mike Breedlove, retired Cheatham County Sheriff

• Mike Fitzhugh, retiring Rutherford County Sheriff

• John Fuson, retiring Montgomery County Sheriff

• Billy Garrett, retiring Haywood County Sheriff

• Bill Holt, retired Robertson County Sheriff

• Jeffery Holt, retired Dyer County Sheriff, retired U S Marshal

• Wesley Holt, retiring Greene County Sheriff

• Mike Neal, retiring Rhea County Sheriff

• Patrick Ray, retiring DeKalb County Sheriff

• Tom Spangler, retiring Knox County Sheriff

• Austin Swing, retiring Bedford County Sheriff

• Darrel Young, retiring Cannon County Sheriff

About the Tennessee Sheriffs' Association

The Tennessee Sheriffs' Association represents and supports Tennessee's 95 elected sheriffs and their offices. The Association works to advance professional law enforcement through training, education, legislative advocacy, public safety initiatives, technical assistance, statewide partnerships and programs designed to strengthen the Office of Sheriff and enhance public safety throughout Tennessee.