(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) – State Senator Becky Duncan Massey (R-Knoxville), Governor Bill Lee, and Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Jeff Long presented the state’s Three Stars of Tennessee Award posthumously on Thursday to three law enforcement officers who were killed in the line of duty. The annual awards also honored two other first responders who received career-ending injuries.
The Three Star awards are Tennessee’s highest awards honoring those who dedicated their lives for the safety and security of their fellow citizens.
The awards were presented posthumously to the families of Hendersonville Police Department Master Patrol Officer Spencer Bristol, Tennessee Highway Patrol Officer Matthew Gatti and Brentwood Police Department Officer Destin Legieza, all who died in the line of duty. In addition, Memphis Police Officer Jeffrey Creighton and Putnam County Paramedic Heather Birdwell received awards in the aftermath of severe and career-ending injuries they suffered in the line of duty.
Tennessee Highway Patrol (posthumous) Trooper Matthew Gatti, 24, was killed when his patrol car collided with two commercial tractor-trailers on I-40 near mile marker 74 in Madison County. The incident occurred at approximately 3:45 p.m. as Trooper Gatti was responding to a car fire.
His patrol car struck the rear of one semi before spinning into a second. Trooper Gatti served with the Tennessee Highway Patrol for 11 months. Prior to that, he served as a corrections officer at the Madison County Criminal Justice Complex before applying to the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Trooper Gatti is survived by his wife, his parents, and his three younger teenage siblings. End of Watch: May 6, 2019
“Every day in Tennessee, brave men and women put on their uniforms and report for duty with the knowledge that they may pay the ultimate price for the job that they do,” said Senator Massey. “It is very appropriate that the State of Tennessee honors the sacrifices made by Tennessee heroes like these who have demonstrated nobility through their selfless actions. No words seem adequate to express our gratitude and admiration for the brave men and women who dedicate their lives to selflessly serving others.”
The event, which is held close to September 11 each year, took place at Hermitage Hills Baptist Church in Nashville. Senator Massey spearheaded legislation<http://publications.tnsosfiles.com/acts/108/pub/pc0950.pdf> in 2014 to recognize law enforcement, firefighters and medical first responders who exhibit brave and heroic sacrifices in the line of duty. This is the 7th presentation of the annual awards since passage of that act.
In addition, First Responder Recipient awards were given to first responder agencies from state and local governments in Tennessee to honor their efforts to protect the public.
“The tragedy of 9-11 serves as a reminder each year of the sacrifices made by our first responders,” added Sen. Massey. “These awards are a small token of our appreciation for the jobs they do every day for our citizens.”
(PHOTO: Gov. and Mrs. Lee, Mrs. Gatti, Sen. Massey and Commissioner Long)
