Gatlinburg Police Department

🚧 TRAFFIC ADVISORY - PARKWAY 🚧

Brief Delays may be possible along Parkway on Saturday, May 30 due to a Viper Car Caravan which will be traveling between Traffic Lights No. 1 and No. 10.

The City urges motorists and pedestrians to use caution in this area during this time, to protect the safety of all individuals.

We’re Tennessee, we Buckle Up - some say it just clicks with us. 😉

🚧 TRAFFIC ADVISORY - KING ROAD TO BE CLOSED TO THRU TRAFFIC ON TUESDAY, MAY 19 🚧

King Road in Gatlinburg will be closed to through traffic on Tuesday, May 19, at the intersection of Cardinal Drive while the Gatlinburg Utilities Department performs work related to the Hidden Hills Waterline Project. The closure is necessary to complete a waterline tie-in.

Motorists are encouraged to plan alternate routes and allow extra travel time when driving in the area. Local traffic should use caution and remain alert for workers and equipment near the roadway.

For the latest updates from the City of Gatlinburg, visit GatlinburgTN.gov or visit the City’s Social Media pages on Facebook and X. Individuals can also keep up with the latest from the City of Gatlinburg by downloading the City’s Mobile App on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store by searching for “City of Gatlinburg”

The Gatlinburg Police Department wants to remind the community to stay alert for scams targeting older adults. Criminals often use phone calls, text messages, social media, fake tech support, romance scams, and even government impersonation to steal money and personal information.

⚠️ Warning signs may include:
• Sudden requests for money or gift cards
• Calls claiming to be from the government or law enforcement
• Messages from unknown numbers asking for personal information
• Pressure to act immediately or keep things secret

🛡️ Tips to stay safe:
✔️ Never share banking or personal information with strangers
✔️ Verify requests before sending money
✔️ Ignore unsolicited calls, texts, or emails
✔️ Talk with trusted family members before making financial decisions

If you believe you or a loved one may be the victim of fraud, contact the Gatlinburg Police Department at 865-436-5181.

Together, we can help protect our seniors and keep our community safe. 💙

🚔 May 15 marks National Peace Officer Memorial Day. 🌹

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy designated May 15 as Peace Officer Memorial Day to honor those officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

On this day, we honor and pay tribute to the law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Their courage and selflessness will never be forgotten. May their legacy inspire us to strive for a safer, more just society.

The Gatlinburg Police Department commemorates Officer Jerry Dean Huskey, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty on June 14, 1975, while bravely attempting to arrest a suspect for drug possession. We honor Officer Huskey's service and remember his family on this day.

We also pay tribute to the courageous individuals who proudly wear the badge, risking their lives each day to ensure the safety of our community.

As part of Police Week and Peace Officer Memorial Day, Chief Ronnie Barrett, Assistant Chief Justin Brown, Codes Enforcement Officer Daniel Herron, and Officer Jacob King joined law enforcement officers from across Sevier County to place memorial flags on the graves of Officers today.

The Gatlinburg Police Department stands proud as we remember and pay tribute to these selfless individuals. Let us never forget their courage, dedication, and sacrifice to serve the community.

🚔 NATIONAL POLICE WEEK 🚔

This week, the Gatlinburg Police Department proudly joins communities across the nation in observing National Police Week, which is a time to recognize and honor the dedication, courage, and service of law enforcement officers everywhere.

The City of Gatlinburg is deeply thankful for the men and women of the Gatlinburg Police Department who serve our community each day with professionalism, integrity, and compassion. Their unwavering commitment helps keep our residents, businesses, and millions of visitors safe throughout the year.

During this week of remembrance, we also honor the brave officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Their service and legacy will never be forgotten.

To the officers of the Gatlinburg Police Department and law enforcement professionals across the country: Thank you for your sacrifice, your strength, and your continued service.

We proudly salute you this week and every week.

Members of the Gatlinburg Police Department participated in Keep Sevier Beautiful’s annual Battle of the Badges on Saturday morning, in an effort to keep roadsides litter free.

This event is a friendly competition between local law enforcement agencies to see who can collect the most litter.

6PM MEDIA STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 2, 2026

GATLINBURG, TENN.—The Gatlinburg Police Department, in coordination with multiple regional agencies, has completed a thorough search of both the interior and exterior of Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies following a bomb threat reported earlier this afternoon.

No credible threat or evidence of an explosive device was discovered. The investigation into the source of the threat remains ongoing. All roads around the aquarium have reopened

Officers from the Pigeon Forge Police Department, Blount County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson City Police Department, Cocke County Sheriff’s Department responded to the scene with K-9 units to survey the scene for explosive devices. The Tennessee Highway Patrol and Tennessee Homeland Security Office also responded.

The Gatlinburg Police Department remains committed to the safety of our community, citizens, and visitors, and appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation during this investigation.

MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 2, 2026

GATLINBURG, Tenn.—Authorities were alerted to a bomb threat called into Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies on Saturday afternoon prompting a coordinated response from local emergency services.

The Gatlinburg Police Department, Gatlinburg Fire Department, Pigeon Forge Police Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol, and the Blount County Sheriff’s Office responded promptly to the area to investigate the report.

The Aquarium was evacuated immediately. River Road at the intersection of Parkway and Greystone Heights Road around the Aquarium have been temporarily closed.

Officers remain on-site conducting a thorough investigation.

Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.