McKenzie Police Department

10/22/2026

🎃👻 TONIGHT IS BOO BASH IN DOWNTOWN MCKENZIE! 👻🎃

Come out and join us tonight, October 22nd, from 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM at Veterans Park in downtown McKenzie! 🍬🧡

📍 Location: Veterans Park, 2312 Cedar St., McKenzie, TN

Bring the family out for an evening full of Halloween fun, including:

🍭 Sweet treats and candy
🎭 Costume contest
🏰 Bouncy house
🍰 Cake walk
🎉 And so much more!

You may even spot a few of our McKenzie Police Department officers who love getting out into the community, connecting with our families, and handing out candy! 🚔🍬

We love being part of this community and look forward to seeing everyone out enjoying a fun, safe Halloween celebration!

🕷️ Grab your costumes, bring the kids, and come see us tonight! We hope to see you there! 🎃

This is the week! Boo Bash on Thursday, the 22nd 5:30 - 8 p.m.

10/22/2026

🚔 McKenzie Police Department Community Involvement

On October 22, 2026, the McKenzie Police Department had the privilege of speaking with seniors at McKenzie High School about staying safe as they prepare to graduate and take their next steps into adulthood.

As these students get ready to enter the world on their own, we discussed several important topics to help them make safe, responsible decisions, including being aware of their surroundings, practicing safe driving habits, and avoiding drug use.

As these young adults prepare for the road ahead, we hope to equip them with the knowledge and awareness they need to make smart choices, protect themselves, and look out for others.

The McKenzie Police Department is proud to be involved in our schools and community, and we appreciate McKenzie High School for giving us the opportunity to connect with these students and share information that can help keep them safe.

🎓 Congratulations to the seniors as they prepare for their next chapter! Remember, the choices you make today can help shape your future. Stay alert, stay safe, and make good decisions!

10/21/2026

✨FEATURE STORY✨
🎁 McKenzie Raises Funds for Christmas Program
❤️ Shop with a First Responder Brings Christmas Joy to Local Children

McKENZIE — For McKenzie’s police officers and firefighters, serving the community goes beyond responding to emergencies. Each Christmas season, local first responders trade their emergency equipment for shopping carts to help make the holidays brighter for area children.

The annual Shop with a First Responder program, organized through the McKenzie Police Department and McKenzie Fire/Rescue Department, provides Christmas gifts to children while giving them an opportunity to interact with first responders in a positive setting.

Throughout 2026, the departments have worked alongside local businesses, civic organizations and residents to raise money for the program through fundraisers and donations.

Among this year’s fundraising efforts was the Shop with a First Responder Shoot, held September 12 at Carroll County Shooting Sports Park in Huntingdon. The event was followed by several restaurant fundraisers that brought additional community support to the program.

On September 16, McKenzie Sonic hosted a Spirit Night fundraiser, donating 15% of qualifying sales made between 5 and 8 p.m. The promotion included purchases through the restaurant’s app and delivery orders, raising nearly $700 for the program.

The fundraising continued October 1, when McKenzie Dairy Queen and McDonald’s on Highland Drive joined the effort. Dairy Queen pledged 15% of fundraiser proceeds, with customers contributing more than $150 in tips. McDonald’s hosted a fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., raising more than $1,000.

The contributions reflect the continued support of local businesses and residents who help make the annual Christmas shopping experience possible.

Over the years, Shop with a First Responder has become a meaningful holiday tradition in McKenzie. In 2024, approximately $18,000 was raised through fundraising efforts and Angel Tree donations, providing Christmas gifts for an estimated 60 to 65 children.

The program continued to grow in 2025, assisting 81 children. Of those, 61 participated in the shopping experience with first responders, while gifts were provided for an additional 20 children. Participating families also received holiday meals through community support, including assistance from E.W. James & Sons Supermarkets and Christmas for Kids funds.

While the gifts help ease some of the financial pressures families face during the holidays, the program offers something beyond Christmas presents. It gives children an opportunity to spend time with the men and women who protect their community, often in a setting far different from the emergencies in which they are accustomed to seeing first responders.

For the officers and firefighters, the experience provides an opportunity to build relationships with children and families while sharing in the excitement of the Christmas season.

Through the generosity of the community, Shop with a First Responder continues to make a difference for local families. For McKenzie’s first responders, it is another way to serve the people they protect throughout the year, creating positive relationships and Christmas memories that extend well beyond the holiday season.

To donate to the Shop with a First Responder Christmas program, go to https://cash.app/$ShopwithfirstResp

Donations can also be mailed or delivered to McKenzie City Hall, 2470 Cedar Street, McKenzie, TN 38201. Please indicate the purpose of the money, i.e. “Christmas for Kids.”

Photos:
📸 FIRST, Sonic employees along with McKenzie first responders (L to R): EMT Lacey Lane (MFD), Sgt. Kyle Beauchamp (MPD), Chief Ryan White (MPD), Asst. Chief Roger Christian (MFD) and Inv. Matthew Cunningham (MPD). Approximately $680 was raised that night. Photo by Jason R. Martin/The Banner

📸 SECOND, At Dairy Queen they received over $150 in tips. (L to R) Sgt. Darren Davis (MPD), EMT Lacey Lane (MFD), EMR Mikayla Vincent (MFD) and Chief Ryan White (MPD). Photo by Jason R. Martin/The Banner

📸 THIRD, At McDonald’s approximately $1,000 was raised. (L to R) Sgt. Tanner Jackson (MPD), Asst. Fire Chief Roger Christian (MFD), DTF Investigator (MPD), Police Chief Ryan White (MPD), and Ptlm. Timothy Dillon (MPD). Photo by Joel Washburn/The Banner

📰 Shop with a First Responder is one of several features that appears in this week's special edition, "A Salute to First Responders"

City of McKenzie McKenzie Police Department McKenzie Fire/Rescue

10/20/2026

🐾 FOUND DOG – HELP US FIND HIS OWNER! 🐾

A tan and white male dog was found in the area of Forest Circle and Casey’s General Store. He weighs approximately 10 pounds.

If you recognize this dog or know who his owner may be, please contact the McKenzie Police Department.

⚠️ If his owner is not located by October 27, 2026, he will be placed up for adoption.

Please share this post to help us get this little guy back home! 🐶❤️

Please contact McKenzie Animal Control at 731-352-2264.

10/09/2026

We need one more dispatcher! If you are ready for a rewarding career with great benefits, check out the information below.

Job Posting: Full Time Dispatcher - McKenzie Police Department

Position: Full-Time Dispatcher Department: McKenzie Police Department Location: McKenzie, TN Salary: based on experience

About Us: The McKenzie Police Department is committed to serving the community with integrity and professionalism. We are looking for a dedicated and detail-oriented individual to join our team as a Full-Time Dispatcher. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills, be able to work in a fast-paced environment, and maintain a calm and composed demeanor in emergency situations.

Job Responsibilities:

· Answer and respond to emergency and non-emergency calls, including requests for police, fire, and medical assistance.

· Dispatch appropriate units in response to incidents, ensuring accurate and timely communication.

· Maintain accurate records of calls, dispatch activities, and outcomes.

· Provide critical support to officers in the field by monitoring radio communications and providing necessary updates.

· Operate and maintain various communications equipment, including radios, telephones, and computer systems.

· Monitor alarms and assist with public safety notifications as needed.

· Perform clerical tasks and other duties as assigned by the department.

Qualifications:

· High school diploma or GED required.

· Previous dispatching, emergency services, or public safety experience is preferred, but not required.

· Ability to remain calm under pressure and handle emergency situations with professionalism.

· Strong verbal and written communication skills.

· Proficient in the use of computers and basic office software.

· Must be able to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

· Must pass a background check and drug screening.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit a completed application along with a resume to: McKenzie Police Department

2470 Cedar St. McKenzie TN 731-352-2264

For questions or more information, please contact Carol Barker.

The McKenzie Police Department is an equal opportunity employer.

We look forward to hearing from you and thank you for considering a position with the McKenzie Police Department!

10/06/2026

10/03/2026

Just a reminder McKenzie’s Community Feeding is today, Saturday, October 3 at 11 am on Banner Row.

10/01/2026

McKenzie Police Department K9 Toby has received donation of body armor

McKenzie Police Department, TN - K9 Toby has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Toby’s vest is sponsored by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. and embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of Don Fike.”

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. was established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and National Institute of Justice (NIJ) certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 6,677 vests valued at $6.9 million to K9s in all 50 states, made possible by both private and corporate donations.

The program is open to U.S. dogs at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $1,050 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1800.00, weighs an average of 4-5 lbs., and comes with a five-year warranty. For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call (508) 824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.

10/01/2026

🍪🎄 COME SEE US TODAY! 🎄🍪

The McKenzie Police Department will be at McDonald’s today from 11 AM–1 PM selling cookies to help support our Shop with a First Responder program! 🎅🎁

Come by, see us, grab a sweet treat, and help us make Christmas a little brighter for local kids! ❤️💙

We hope to see you there! 🍪👮‍♂️🎄

10/01/2026

We are here at Dairy Queen until 8pm. Come see us and enjoy some ice cream or food. Dairy Queen has been gracious and will be donating a percentage of all sales from 5-8pm to our Shop with a First Responder Program.