In a ceremony held at the Crossville Police Department, three officers were honored with Officer of the Month recognition by Chief Jessie Brooks.

Officers Chrystal Massey, Keith Sadula and Tyrel Lorenz received recognition for their efforts on January 6th, 2020, where Officer Sadula observed a suspicious vehicle, occupied by an unknown male, sitting in the Disabled American Veterans parking lot, on Sparta Drive. As Officer Sadula approached the subject, the vehicle sped away in a reckless manner, resulting in several dangerous traffic infractions.

Officer Sadula gave chase, quickly assisted by Officers Massey and Lorenz. The suspect drove to the area of Maranatha Trailer Park, where he left the vehicle and fled on foot, at which time Officer Sadula observed a firearm in the suspects hand. The suspect dropped the weapon, when ordered, but continued to flee into the icy cold water of the nearby Obed River, attempting to elude capture. Without hesitation, Officer Sadula leapt into the river in pursuit, capturing and taking control of the suspect, who continued to resist. Officer Lorenz arrived shortly thereafter, also entered the water to assist in the apprehension of the suspect.

While the suspect was being escorted back to Officer Sadula’s patrol vehicle, for transport, Officer Massey began an inventory of the suspect’s vehicle, where several stolen items, from multiple burglaries that had just occurred, were recovered. Officer Massey was able to link the items to their owner’s and solve burglaries that hadn’t even been reported at the time of the arrest. The firearm, which the suspect possessed when he exited the vehicle, was among the items reported as stolen.

The actions and quick thinking of these officers, are a shining example of teamwork, community care and professionalism. Their efforts resulted in the capture of an armed burglar, the recovery of stolen items, including a firearm, and solved multiple burglaries. All three of these police professionals are to be commended and were recognized for their efforts with the issuance of the Crossville Police Department’s Officer of the Month Award for January, 2020.

Pictured L-R: Chief J. Brooks, SPO. C. Massey, Ptl. T. Lorenz, Ptl. K. Sadula, Dep. Chf. C. Kendrick