Local officials and first responders in Harriman joined forces with the Roane County Health Department to bring attention to human trafficking by participating in the nation-wide Red Sand Project.

Mayor Best, members of the City Council, and personnel from both the Harriman Police Department and Harriman Fire Department gathered to pour vibrant red sand into sidewalk crevices across the city. The act serves as a visual metaphor for filling the symbolic “cracks” in society where vulnerable, at-risk individuals often go unnoticed and exploited.

City representatives emphasized that combatting human trafficking requires a community-wide effort, urging residents to learn the warning signs and report suspicious activity. Harriman leaders expressed their gratitude to the Roane County Health Department for bringing the initiative to the city and fostering a unified front against trafficking.

By shining a light on this critical issue, city officials hope to send a clear message: Harriman is committed to ensuring no individual falls through the cracks.