Mayor Pulse Recognizes Extraordinary Service of First Responders, Public Servants, and Volunteers During the Ice Storm
During the County Commission meeting on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, Mayor Todd Pulse took time to recognize and show appreciation to the numerous individuals who tirelessly served our community during winter storm Fern.
Watch the full County Commission meeting here.
Mayor Pulse shared the following proclamation:
Hardeman County would like to recognize the extraordinary dedication and tireless efforts of all our frontline workers and first responders who put themselves in harm’s way to serve our citizens during the recent ice storm—our second natural disaster in less than ten months.
The Middleton Fire Department, under the leadership of Chief Kevin Marcum, organized a tremendous effort to clear trees from roadways so emergency personnel and power crews could reach affected homes. They delivered meals, generators, and whatever was needed to serve our community.
The linemen and crews with Bolivar Energy Authority (Tony Kirk) worked long hours in extreme and hazardous conditions, often with little to no rest, to restore power. They even provided mutual aid to Tippah Electric Power Association, continuing their service beyond our county lines.
Tennessee Department of Transportation and Chris Grantham worked tirelessly to clear our main highways, while the Hardeman County Road Department, led by Casey Swift, cleared debris and graded back roads across the entire county.
Our dispatchers, including Carrie Marcum, provided exceptional service around the clock. Due to hazardous road conditions, they were unable to leave the 911 office and slept there to ensure continuous coverage. The Hardeman County Sheriff’s Department, under Sheriff John Doolen, conducted wellness checks and transported individuals to the shelter.
Our ambulance department continued responding to calls, navigating icy roads in the middle of the night to provide critical care.
Our local hospital was overwhelmed in recent days, yet the nurses, doctors, and staff never stopped serving patients with compassion and professionalism.
Many volunteers stepped up in extraordinary ways—cleaning, cooking, washing dishes, delivering meals and supplies, donating essential items, setting up tables and chairs, monitoring the shelter, distributing water, and offering comfort and support. The dedicated ladies at the Middleton shelter served each day faithfully without complaint: Jo Doss, Faye Tomlinson, Joyce Byers, Linda Earnest, Carmellitta Capooth, Doris Keller, and Ann Baxter. The Parrans Chapel Cutting Team worked tirelessly to clear trees and roads, serving selflessly in the name of Christ (Pastor Matt Boatwright).We also extend our sincere gratitude to Maintenance Director Chase Graves, who brought trustees to assist with cutting trees, delivered generators and pallets of water, worked on convenience centers, and helped wherever needed. The landfill crew, led by Steven Graves, worked diligently to restore public services. Andy Shelton graded the Van Buren site, Russell Deberry graded the Hornsby site, and Tony Hooper brought equipment to grade the Toone site—thank you for your commitment.
Throughout this event, I remained in constant communication with EMA Director Don Taylor, Assistant Director Darren Grantham, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, Department of Forestry, National Guard, Rep. Johnny Shaw, Senator Page Walley, Superintendent of Schools Christy Smith, state and federal officials, city mayors, and our county commissioners to ensure timely updates and coordination. Special thanks to David Kenley and Jerry Watkins for providing daily briefings and updates.
To Middleton Mayor Evan Mott and Vice Mayor Ann Baxter—your leadership and devotion to your town and community have not gone unnoticed. You are deeply appreciated and respected.
Every task matters. Every person matters. Difficult times bring out the very best in our citizens as we unite in support of one another. These challenges reveal the strength, resilience, and character of Hardeman County. In moments like these, we are reminded of who we are and what we stand for: service to others. We are all public servants. I challenge each one to not only show service in difficult times, but in good times as well.
We are Hardeman County — and together, we are stronger.
To everyone who assisted, served, and volunteered—thank you. May God bless you all.
A list of names will be attached and recorded.
Respectfully Submitted to the Minutes of Hardeman County, this day, February 17, 2026.
Todd Pulse, Hardeman County Mayor
Watch the full County Commission meeting here.
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