Shane Tate's Family Needs You

Shane Tate, a Grundy County (Tennessee) Deputy was Killed in the Line of Duty on June 5th, 2008

Last month, my mother and I traveled a little over an hour to Altamont, TN in Grundy County. Although, it is one of the most scenic areas in the Cumberland Mountains we were not there for pleasure. Our designation was the Layne Funeral Home. Tony Tate, a co-worker and friend lost his son and we were there for the Visitation. Many local people, co-workers, friends of the family and law officers were there to show their support for Shane Tate's family. The funeral home was overflowing with people.

On June 5th, 2008, Shane Tate, a Grundy County (Tennessee) sheriff's deputy, was killed in the line of duty when he attempted serve a probation warrant in Monteagle, TN. We didn't attend the funeral, but I understand a couple hundred people went to the funeral and people lined the road to pay their respects to Deputy Shane Tate as the hearse drove to the cemetery.

Tony is outgoing, friendly, and will help anyone who needs assistance without hesitation. I never met Shane, but from what I understand he took after his daddy. He became a sheriff's deputy not because of the pay, but because he wanted to help others. Although he worked for the Grundy County Sheriff's Office for three years as a correctional officer; he had just graduated from Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy a couple of weeks before his death. Just the week before Shane was killed, Tony was proudly showing everyone a photo of Shane taken after his graduation.

This Saturday, July 5th, starting at 9 a.m., a benefit is being held to raise money for the Shane's wife and children at the Smith County AG Expo Center in South Carthage, TN. Shane, who just turned 29 in March, left behind a wife, a son, two daughters, and two stepdaughters. His son at the age of five is the oldest. At the benefit, there will be music by Trick Pony and Southern Drawl, food, silent auction, dunking booth, inflatables for kids and much more.