Today, Sheriff James Lee Berrong and our deputies said goodbye to two legendary Blount County lawmen -- Jerry and Terry Orr. The Orr brothers are retiring effective November 30 after more than 35 years of service each.
If you've lived in Blount County long enough, chances are you've met one or both of the Orr twins. Jerry Orr, who has been with the Sheriff's Office since 1985 (37 years) began his career as a patrolmen back when Blount County had a much smaller population and when we only had two or three deputies assigned to patrol the whole county. A few years into his law enforcement career, Jerry was assigned to the narcotics unit and has spent the last several years working with the DEA Task Force, working drug cases not just locally but across the country and the world. During his time at the Sheriff's Office, Jerry also served as the Sheriff's Office SWAT team commander and spent several years as Chairman of the Board for the Blount County Rescue Squad.
Jerry's "younger" twin brother Terry has directly impacted thousands of Blount County's children. Terry began his career at the Sheriff's Office in 1986 as a patrol deputy, and since 2011, Terry has served as the SRO at Heritage Middle School. He has left an indelible mark and made a difference in the lives of many 6th through 8th grade students at HMS. Parents and students of these children from many years ago still remember Deputy Orr with fondness because of his patience and the love and respect he continues to show the students he has mentored. Deputy Orr remembers names and recalls stories about most of the students who have passed through the halls of HMS. Outside of work, Deputy Orr's commitment and service to the community continues. Through his involvement in "Santa Cop", Deputy Orr and other law enforcement officers distributes free toys to Blount County's children.
Jerry and Terry Orr have both dedicated their adult lives to public service, and though we want them to enjoy their retirements, we will miss them here at the Sheriff's Office. But we also know that their footprints on Blount County and the legacies they leave behind will remain strong through their continued efforts to make Blount County a better place.
Best wishes to two of the best. We love you. It's not goodbye, it's see you later.
Original source can be found here
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