Ford of Murfreesboro's Managing Partner David Lee commented that he is amazed at the dedication shown by the dedicated work done by agents of the Rutherford County Sheriffs Office.

Detective Sergeant Tony Hall

Handling long-term drug investigations resulting in multiple arrests and seizures earned Detective Sgt. Tony Hall an engraved watch from Ford of Murfreesboro.

More arrests and seizures are expected from the investigation, said Capt. Jason Mathis of the Special Enforcement Bureau. L-R photo ID: Detective Sgt. Tony Hall and David Lee.

Ford of Murfreesboro Owner/Manager David Lee commented, “We are so pleased to be involved with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office.”

Mathis said Hall is the “go to” detective when it relates to major cases that are long-term cases that involve multiple subjects and multiple agencies. His peers consult him for leadership and guidance regarding narcotics investigative techniques. He leads in utilizing technological devices in order to strengthen his cases and taught the other members of the unit how to do the same.

“He recently was to first in the unit to utilize the law in order to seize a bank account worth thousands of dollars,” Mathis said.

Sheriff Robert Arnold said Hall is dedicated to his duties and professional in his job.

Deputy Edward Phillips

Rutherford County Sheriff’s Deputy Edward Phillips was presented an engraved watch from Ford of Murfreesboro for coordinating the inmate video visitation program at the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center.

Photo: Owner/manager David Lee of Ford of Murfreesboro presents an engraved watch to sheriff’s Deputy Edward Phillips for earning the Officer of the Month award at the sheriff’s office. From left are Lt. Richard Grissom, Phillips, Commander Guy Goff and Lee.

For of Murfreesboro's David Lee noted, “We appreciate all that these officers do for the sheriff’s office and all of Rutherford County. We are proud to present this small token to Deputy Phillips.”

The detention deputy went above and beyond his regular duty responsibilities to implement the video visitation program, said Lt. Richard Grissom.

“Deputy Phillips took the time to coordinate all aspects involved with Vis Vox Video Visitation and made it possible for the Detention Department to have inmate visits using video monitors,” Grissom said.

He communicated with all individuals involved to have a quality system in place.

Sheriff Robert Arnold said Phillips’ coordination will allow the staff and visitors to quickly learn to use the video visitation program.

Detective Jim Tramel

Recovering more than $25,000 worth of stolen property and charging a suspected burglar earned Detective Jim Tramel gratitude from the community and an engraved watch from Ford of Murfreesboro.

Photo ID: Owner/manager David Lee of Murfreesboro, right, presents an engraved watch to sheriff’s Detective Jim Tramel, center, for his award as Officer of the Month. At left is Tramel’s supervisor, Capt. David Hailey.

Owner/manager David Lee of Ford of Murfreesboro said, “Thank goodness for officers like Detective Tramel protecting our homes and property. We are happy to present him the watch for being Officer of the Month.”

Sheriff Robert Arnold said Detective Tramel arrested the suspect and worked with investigators in surrounding counties to identify the victims and return their property, especially unique pieces of jewelry and antiques.

Detective Capt. David Hailey said Detective Tramel was assigned several home burglaries during the summer. He developed information about a possible suspect and the car he drove, notifying patrol and Active Crime Enforcement unit deputies.

Patrol and ACE deputies located the suspect and took him into custody after a pursuit. Detective Tramel charged the suspect with several counts of burglary.

“Detective Tramel was able to solve 13 confirmed burglaries and recover more than $25,000 worth of stolen weapons, jewelry and antiques,” Hailey said.

School Resource Officer Corporal Dustin Cox

Educating teens about the dangers of drinking and driving earned School Resource Officer Cpl. Dustin Cox received an engraved watch from Ford of Murfreesboro as a way of thanking Cox for all that he does to help area youth. 

Photo: Owner/manager David Lee of Ford of Murfreesboro presents an engraved watch to Cpl. Dustin Cox for the sheriff’s Officer of the Month. From left are Commander Jacoby O’Gwynn, Sgt. Tim Hayes, Cpl. Cox and Lee.

Owner/manager David Lee of Ford of Murfreesboro, said, “We are so grateful to Cpl. Cox for working with our local teens. Hopefully, many lives will be positively affected by this program.”

Cpl. Cox, a SRO at Rock Springs Middle School, coordinates the Collision Avoidance Training program to inform teens about driving safely.

He and three other SROs participated in State Farm Insurance’s Celebrate My Drive event in September, said Sgt. Tim Hayes. Cox and the SROs directed students to wear goggles that simulate what it feels like to drive drunk when they drove SRO custom golf carts.

Sheriff Robert Arnold accepted a $2,500 check from State Farm Insurance for the SROs participation in the Celebrate My Drive event.

“Cpl. Cox cares about students’ driving by offering these programs,” Sheriff Arnold said. “Wearing the DUI goggles allows students to experience how drinking can affect their driving abilities.”

Cpl. Cox is expanding the CAT program to other events in Rutherford County.

Ford of Murfreesboro is in the second year of honoring officers from the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office.