Homeland Security to hold fundraiser March 23

DAYTON — Rhea County Homeland Security will be holding its annual all-day fundraiser on Saturday, March 23, at the Rhea County Welcome Center on Main Street.

The event will feature a pancake breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. and a hot dog and chili lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event also features a chance to win a voucher for Nokian Tyres and a La-Z-Boy recliner and a silent auction.

Rhea County Sheriff Mike Neal formed the Homeland Security Team in Rhea County following 9/11. Neal said the goal is to have trained volunteers ready to step in to assist with emergencies that might deplete the sheriff’s department resources.

The group is trained in many areas, including handgun qualification, OC pepper spray, terrorist bombings, counter terrorism surveillance, radio communication, first aid and safety, CPR, first responder medical care and drug awareness.

Though Homeland Security is a branch of the sheriff’s department, it runs on the time and dedication of volunteers. Because of this, sheriff’s department officials fundraise to purchase equipment and safety gear for the men and women who make up the Homeland Security team.

Rhea County Homeland Security provides security and first responder medical care at events such as the Tennessee Strawberry Festival, the Rhea County Fair, Pumpkinfest, Shake the Lake and Rhea County High School football games.