Governor Bill Haslam has signed into law legislation sponsored bySenator Bill Ketron (R-Murfreesboro) and Representative Rick Womick (R-Rockvale) naming the National Guard Armory in Murfreesboro the First Lieutenant William Eric Emmert National Guard Armory.
Senate Bill 2159 is co-sponsored by Senators Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville), Ophelia Ford (D-Memphis) and Eric Stewart (D-Belvidere) and Representatives Joe Carr (R-Lascassas), Mike Sparks (R-Smyrna), Barrett Rich(R-Hickory Withe), and Gerald McCormick (R-Chattanooga).
“Lieutenant Emmert was a shining example of courage and the volunteer spirit for which our state is known,” said Senator Ketron. “His name will forever be associated with this Armory as new generations of Tennessee soldiers will know the sacrifices he made for freedom.”
First Lieutenant Emmert was killed in the line of duty on February 24, 2009 while serving his country in Mosul, Iraq. He was assigned to the 269th Military Police Company, 117th Military Police Battalion, in the Tennessee Army National Guard. Emmert was a cum laude graduate of Middle Tennessee State University and a veteran of the U.S. Army, where he served as a counter intelligence agent during tours of duty in Korea, Germany, and Cuba. He was also a Tennessee State Trooper in Lincoln County and a member of Governor Phil Bredesen’s security detail before joining the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation as a special agent in the Criminal Investigation Division.
“This is a very deserved recognition,” added Representative Womick. “Lt. Emmert’s remarkable service for this state and nation was proven in every job he undertook. I am very proud to sponsor this bill recognizing the ultimate sacrifice he made for this nation.”
Emmert is survived by his parents, Bill and Brenda Emmert. The Armory is located at 2350 Armory Drive in Murfreesboro.
