Sheriff James L.  Berrong realized the need for a non-profit foundation that benefits the men and women of the Blount County Sheriff's Office after a series of tragic events impacted the agency. On February 8th, 2024, Deputy Greg McCowan was killed in the line of duty and Deputy Shelby Eggers was wounded during a traffic stop on Sevierville Road.  Deputy McCowan was the first Blount County Deputy to be killed in the line of duty since 1956 and is only the second overall in the Sheriff's Office history.  On June 11th, 2024, Deputies Corbin Smith and Edward Walker were wounded in a shooting while responding to a domestic disturbance in Rockford. In November of 2024 the Sheriff's Office lost veteran Lt. Chuck Ford after a courageous battle with cancer. After collaborating with several members of the community, the idea of a nonprofit foundation that would financially assist the employees of the Blount County Sheriff's Office and their families during their time of need emerged.

 

Retired Deputy Chief Gary Price of the Knoxville Police Department, who is on the Board of Directors for the Knoxville Public Safety Foundation, was instrumental in providing guidance and insight during the founding process. Licensed attorney Joseph Maus graciously filed all required paperwork with the State of Tennessee and IRS on behalf of the Blount County Sheriff's Blue Line Foundation.  Dawson Wells, who is a graphic design student at the University of Tennessee, designed the logo for the foundation. 

 

The Blount County Blue Line Foundation was officially founded on January 30, 2025, when the Board of Directors adopted the set of bylaws and elected inaugural officers. The initial Board of Directors consisted of Jordan Henderson, Tina Rhea, Tara Rasher, Knox County Sheriff Tom Spangler, Blount County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Jeff French, Sgt. Chris Carter, and retired Alcoa Fire Department Chief Roger Robinson.