Ceremony for promotions of LPD officers held at city hall Tuesday

Lt. Tielman, Sgt. Ferguson, Sgt. Southern and Sgt. Lloyd

By Lindsey Hutson-Suttles

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – A pinning ceremony was held Tuesday evening at city hall for four individuals who were promoted within the City of LaFollette Police Department. “Chief (Steve Wallen) was out of town and wanted to do something special,” stated Capt. Charles Duff.

TOP PHOTO: Capt. Duff, Lieutenant Tielman, Sgt. Ferguson, Sgt. Lloyd, Sergeant Southern and Chief Wallen.

There was one promotion to Lieutenant and three promotions to Sergeant. WLAF’s Charlie Hutson shares all his photos HERE.

Shane Tielman was promoted to Lieutenant with six years of police work under his belt. Tielman hopes he can “help make the department better.”

Jessie Ferguson, with four years experience, was promoted to Sergeant. When asked what his future plans were, Ferguson stated he wanted to “be a leader and make a difference.”

Eleven year law enforcement veteran Adam Southern was promoted to Sergeant. Southern has K9 experience from his last department and has taken over with K9 Goose in LaFollette while Goose’s original handler is deployed.

Isaiah Lloyd was promoted to Sergeant with nine years experience. Lloyd has experience with local, state, and federal agencies and states that law is a “true passion.”

Chief Wallen also recognized Sgt. Mike Satkowski (in street clothes). Satkowski was diagnosed three years ago with tongue and throat cancer. After surgery and treatment, he defeated cancer. However in November 2023, he was diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer. His work family and friends held a roadside donation at the beginning of March to raise money to help cover some of his medical expenses, and the chief presented him with that money during the ceremony. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 03/13/2024-6AM-PHOTOS COURTESY OF WLAF’S CHARLIE HUTSON)