MARYVILLE, Tenn. — Leaders in Maryville and Blount County dedicated a bridge in honor of fallen officer Kenny Moats Thursday. Moats was killed in the line of duty in 2016 after responding to a domestic call.
It's been three years since his death, and his family and community have continued to remember the life he lived. Officer Moats served as a Maryville Police Officer for nine years. He was 32-years-old when he died.
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The bridge, now known as the Police Officer Kenny Moats Memorial Bridge, sits behind Heritage High School near Riverford Road and features his badge number 156. The ceremony to unveil the new sign took place at 2 p.m. Thursday.
To his colleagues in law enforcement, many call Moats a great friend and officer. But to his family, Officer Moats was so much more: a father, husband and son.
The Moats family works to keep his memory alive by launching the 'Officer Moats Foundation'. According to its website, the non-profit has given more than $18,000 to families suffering from a tragic loss and $7,000 in scholarships.