Washington County Government: Proclamation Honoring Chief Harmon "Doodie" Mathes

Johnson City TN

27 April, 2021

1:48 PM

Description

Press release from the Washington County Government: April 26, 2021 WHEREAS, service is the greatest gift of all; and WHEREAS, Harmon Mathes, known as "Doodie" to many, is a lifelong resident of the Cassi Community who served Washington County professionally as a member of the Washington County Sheriff's Office From 1999 to 2020; and WHEREAS, it is his use of his gifts and strengths outside his professional role that demonstrate his will to help others in Washington County, and Harmon "Doodie" Mathes shines as an example of what it means to be "of service" in and to the community; and WHEREAS, in conjunction with seeking an active part in improving himself and his community, he became a Mason in 1982, belonging to Arcana Lodge #489, became a Shriner in 1984, belonging to Kerbela Temple in Knoxville, and became a member of the Order of the Eastern Star at Limestone # 262; and WHEREAS, recognizing the need for fire protection in the geographic area, he was one of the organizers, and instrumental in starting the Nolichuckey Valley Volunteer Fire Department in 1972 where he became the chief in 1974, and remained the chief until his retirement in 2008; and WHEREAS, he was also instrumental in starting the Washington County Fire Chief's Association in the mid- 1970's, representing the Nolichucky Valley VFD on the association until his retirement; and WHEREAS, he was on the Steering Committee that led to Washington County having an enhanced 9-1-1 operation capable of supplying public safety dispatch services to county residents and, in November 1986, was named one of the Washington County Emergency Communications District's original Board Members; where he served through February 2021, with membership on a number of committees, including Addressing/MSAG, Building, and Ethics, culminating in a leadership role as Board Chairman from November 2014-2021; and WHEREAS, he was on the foundation board of John M. Reed Nursing Home; and WHEREAS, he is a member of Cassi Full Gospel Church serving as a deacon and Sunday school superintendent; and WHEREAS, one of the greatest gifts of service is its inspiration to others; now therefore BE IT PROCLAIMED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, TENNESSEE, THAT: We do hereby recognize Chief Harmon "Doodie" Mathes for his dedication and service to the citizens of Washington County by recognizing the vital needs in the community, and working with others to find the means to meet those needs, while serving as a leader and inspiration to others. ADOPTED BY This press release was produced by the Washington County Government. The views expressed here are the author's own.