The Sheriff’s Desk – Hardeman County Sheriff's Office

Category: The Sheriff’s Desk

These posts are personal messages from Sheriff Doolen.

Renewing Our Commitment

Posted on February 27, 2019 by Brian Vandiver

A press conference was held today at the Criminal Justice Center in Hardeman County. The U.S. Attorney of the Western District of the State of Tennessee Michael Dunavant, along with Special Agent in Charge of the FBI-Memphis Division M. A. Myers, 25th Judicial District Attorney General Mark Davidson, Special Agent in Charge TBI-West Tennessee John Simmons,, Sheriff John Doolen, along with others renew their commitment to solving the 21 year old murder of Michael Bell. There is still a $24,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest of the subject responsible. U.S. Attorney Dunavant announced new technology used by the FBI has allowed investigators to move closer to solving this case.

Church Safety Training

Posted on February 26, 2018January 14, 2019 by Brian Vandiver

The Hardeman County Sheriff’s Office is now conducting training for local churches. Captain Brian Vandiver put together a training program which includes active shooter training, along with other safety issues that churches may face. We encourage churches to be proactive and begin preparing for such events instead of being reactive. If you would like more information or to schedule training for your church, please contact Captain Brian Vandiver at (731) 228-3004 or bvandiver@hardemancountysheriff.org.

Fighting Against Opioid Overdoses

Posted on January 24, 2018January 25, 2018 by Brian Vandiver

Crossing all socioeconomic barriers, addiction does not just affect the poverty stricken, homeless, or street junkie. With the addition of opioids like Fentanyl and Carfentil, people are dying daily across the state of Tennessee. Fentanyl can be trasmitted by inhalation, ingestion, or even absorbed through the skin therefore, just touching the drug can kill someone.

Opioids are substances that act on opioid receptors to produce morphine-like effects. Medically they are primarily used for pain relief, including anesthesia. In order to prepare for possible opioid overdoses in the future, the Hardeman County Sheriff’s department took part in training to be able to receive Narcan (generic name is Naloxone), which is an opioid antagonist for opioid overdoses. All patrol cars are now equipped with these kits in an effort to reduce opioid overdose deaths.

The training was given on behalf of the State Targeted Response (STR) grant through the state of Tennessee.

This state grant allows for Narcan to be placed in the hands of our law enforcement, not only for their protection, but for the protection for the public. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction and needs help, please call 1-800-889-9789.

$24,000 Reward

Posted on March 23, 2017April 8, 2017 by Brian Vandiver

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, FBI and the 25th District Attorney General Mike Dunavant announced the reward Thursday March 23, 2017 in the unsolved 1998 murder of Michael Bell, according to a TBI release.

Bell was a clerk at the McKee’s Stateline Convenience Store at the time of his murder on July 23, 1998. The store is located on Highway 125 S between Middleton, TN, and Walnut, MS.

An unknown individual shot and killed Bell, then left the store in a 1990s General Motors sedan and drove toward Walnut, MS.

The robbery does not appear to have been the motive of the shooting, according to the release. They say Bell instead was the target of a coordinated murder.

The FBI has joined in the investigation, and the partnership has resulted in new leads in the case, according to the release.

Investigators believe there are people in the community who have information that can help solve the crime.

The reward is for information that directly assists law enforcement in the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for Bell’s death.

Anyone who has information is urged to call 1-800-TBI-FIND.

Michael Bell

“In God We Trust”

Posted on August 29, 2015August 29, 2015 by Brian Vandiver

“In God We Trust” was adopted as the official motto of the United States in 1956. “In God we trust” first appeared on U.S. coins in 1864 and has appeared on paper currency since 1957. In August 2015, Sheriff Doolen decided to add the motto to the Hardeman County Sheriff’s Office patrol cars. This logo came at no cost to the county thanks to Southern Designs of Bolivar who donated the decals. The motto is being placed on patrol cars all across the nation. “With everything going on in the world right now, God is the only thing we can trust,” Sheriff Doolen said. Doolen said the phrase does not specify which God it is referring to and does not infringe on anyone’s rights.