HSCO Seeks Help For Longtime Deputy

The Hamblen County Sheriff’s office is asking the public for help for one of their own. Sunday evening, Lt. Eddie Hefner, who has been with the Hamblen County sheriff’s office for over 25 years lost his home in a house fire. Lt. Hefner’s mother was in the home at the time and suffered severe smoke inhalation. She is now breathing on her own, but remains hospitalized.

The Hamblen County Fire Department says one of their off-duty firefighters is responsible for saving the life of Pam McElhaney. Austin Rutherford said that he was leaving after Sunday evening church services, when he noticed the home behind the church was on fire. Rutherford says his instincts kicked in and he went inside the burning home and found Pam McElhaney lying on the floor of a bedroom. He was able to drag her out into the hallway and then get to the front door where EMS was waiting.

The home was a complete loss. The Hamblen County Sheriff’s office is asking for donations to help Lt. Hefner with that loss. They say checks can be made out to Eddie Hefner and sent to the local chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police in Morristown at 225 W. 3rd N. Street, Morristown, TN 37814.