Pubdate: Fri, 12 Dec 2003
Source: Tullahoma News (TN)
Copyright: The Tullahoma News 2003
Contact: 
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=49033&BRD=1614&PAG=461&dept_id=161070&
Website: http://www.tullahomanews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2031
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

INNOCENTS PAY THE PRICE

The recent death of a Scott County police officer during a raid on a mobile 
home where the manufacture of methamphetamine was suspected is a tragically 
powerful reminder of the dangers posed by the scourge of this illegal drug: 
Its impact can claim the innocent. It is all the more tragic that the fatal 
shot that struck Sgt. Hubert "John John" Yancey was fired by a colleague - 
Deputy Marty Carson, who was unaware that Yancey had entered the dimly 
lighted mobile home.

It was fitting that, at the funeral of Yancey, the officer's wife requested 
that Carson serve as a pallbearer.

Friendly fire might mitigate the circumstances, but it doesn't ease the pain.

District Attorney General Paul Phillips noted the loss of a dedicated 
public servant who was "vigorously working to rid this county of the 
methamphetamine that is doing so much damage to our community."

Methamphetamine has exploded on the scene in rural East and Middle 
Tennessee during the past decade.

It is manufactured for the most part in fly-by-night situations, with the 
contents carried in small suitcases, duffel bags or backpacks. The 
mountains and hills of the area might offer a shield against law 
enforcement, but that is beginning to prove deceptive.

With state and local law enforcement agencies bearing down and with federal 
grants offering the prospect of wider searches and more vigorous 
prosecution of suspects, the days of meth labs might be numbered.

However, as a region, we are far from declaring victory. Other police 
officers and deputies in East Tennessee will continue to risk their lives 
to protect society - especially children of the manufacturers - from the 
myriad dangers of methamphetamine. We will continue to owe them our thanks 
and appreciation, and we owe the families of Yancey and Carson our 
heartfelt sympathies.
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