By Jerry Burns
The parable of the good shepherd has always stuck with me. Specifically the quote, “You cannot love the sheep and tolerate the wolves.”
When it comes to our children, that statement could not be more true.
Protecting children is not optional. It is not political. It is a moral responsibility and a core duty of law enforcement.
In recent years, many parents and community members in Blount County have raised serious concerns about children being abused, including cases involving trusted adults within the school system. Even worse, there is a growing belief among citizens that these situations were ignored or quietly handled instead of fully investigated and prosecuted.
I want to be very clear. As Sheriff, I will never overlook abuse, minimize allegations or allow anyone who harms children to escape accountability. Every report involving child abuse will be taken seriously, fully investigated, and when appropriate, prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Protecting children means confronting hard truths and taking decisive action, even when it is uncomfortable.
School Resource Officers should be more than a uniform in a small office. They should be leaders, mentors and trusted figures within our schools. I believe SROs must be actively involved in the daily life of the school, not just responding to emergencies.
As Sheriff, my vision is for SROs to:
I have heard consistent concerns from parents and teachers that SRO involvement has declined in recent years.
That will change.
Our children deserve officers who are present, invested and committed to prevention, not just reaction.
Protecting children does not stop when the school bell rings.
Many of the dangers children face come from drug exposure, neglect, abuse and untreated mental health issues within the home or community. When families struggle with addiction or mental illness, children often suffer in silence.
A safer Blount County means addressing the drug and mental health crisis head on. It means holding drug dealers accountable while working with treatment and recovery resources to help families heal. When we help parents get the support they need, we help protect their children, too.
I firmly believe that early intervention matters. When we invest in children early through education, mentorship, structure and accountability, we reduce crime, addiction and victimization later in life.
Strong kids become strong adults. Prevention today creates safety tomorrow.
I will not tolerate predators in our schools or our communities. I will not ignore reports of abuse. I will not allow politics or convenience to interfere with protecting children.
As Sheriff, my focus will be simple and unwavering:
Many citizens believe the current approach has failed to do these things consistently. I hear those concerns, and I take them seriously. I am committed to doing better.
Protecting our children is how we protect the future of Blount County. It is a responsibility I will never take lightly.
Jerry Burns is a seasoned law enforcement officer with extensive experience in patrol work, public safety initiatives, and community engagement. He is a candidate for Blount County Sheriff, focused on enhancing training, accountability, and service throughout the county.