SWEETWATER, Tenn. — The Sweetwater Police Department is mourning the loss of its officer, Tyler Blankenship. They announced Friday that Blankenship died after battling cancer.
"Officer Blankenship exemplified the qualities of an outstanding officer, showing compassion and professionalism in all that he did," SPD said in a Facebook post.
Blankenship joined SPD in November 2019, he later graduated from the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy in March 2021.
SPD said throughout his career, Blankenship was respected by the community and his team, and that he exemplified what it means to not only be a good officer but a good man as well.
“We are completely heartbroken and devastated in losing one of the members of our family," Chief Eddie Byrum and Assistant Chief Kevin Watson said. "We would like to thank everyone for their support and their prayers while we endure this difficult time and we will continue serving our community the same way that Officer Blankenship did during his service to the City of Sweetwater.”
Blankenship leaves behind a wife and a daughter.
There will be a memorial set up at the Gazebo in downtown Sweetwater to honor Blankenship’s service.
