Cocke County dive team certified

NEWPORT — As of Sunday afternoon, Cocke County has a certified dive team. That team is ready to be deployed when needed and in a number of situations.

According to the Cocke County Emergency Management Agency (CCEMA), the dive team is an extension of one of the most active and respected swift water rescue teams in the state.

“I continue to be overwhelmed by the emergency responders in our community who place themselves in harm’s way for their neighbors,” said CCEMA Director Joe Esway.

Those “hand-selected for the first ever team” are Lt. Danny Ray Reece and Deputy Randy Forbes, who both serve with the Cocke County Sheriff’s Office.

“It was an absolute pleasure to learn, train and dive with these great men of service,” Esway added.

A more in-depth article about the dive team will be published in a future edition of The Plain Talk.