A brotherly bond continues to be forged in Carter County with men that put their lives on the lines for citizens.

Civilians and constables alike took part in the 2017 Carter County Constables In-Service training and were able to graduate with high marks, according to instructor and District 7 Constable Ken Potter.

“They’ve worked hard,” Potter said about the constables and civilians. “They’ll each receive a certificate of completion for 40 hours in-service training. It’s almost been 100 percent attendance. Everybody couldn’t wait to get here. We covered 28 topics … they took a written exam, and the lowest score was a 96. We had outstanding achievement from both the constables and the civilians.”

Multiple guest speakers took part in the training and assisted participants, including General Sessions Judge Keith Bowers, Jr., Jerry Stout with Homeland Security, Attorney Jerry Bowman and Greg Norris and retired Unicoi County official Dave Walker.

But as the certificates were being distributed Wednesday, Potter was able to look across the room and see a good group of individuals that would do their all for the community.

“It’s an honor for me to stand beside them,” Potter said. “I leave here tonight knowing that we’ve delivered the best training we could. When we go back onto the street, these constables will be better equipped, and we’ll also be able to work in a safer environment.

Dustin Baker was one of the citizens that participated in the training and praised the efforts of the constables during the graduation.

“You guys are the representatives of the community for law enforcement,” Baker said. “Any county that doesn’t have constables is an uneducated county. I appreciate everything you do.”

Dave Quave, District 3 Constable in Johnson County, added he loved being part of the group and encouraged individuals to get involved with the constables association.

Fellow Constable Mark Watson shared the sentiments of many other constables, adding he was looking at a room full of brothers.

“When you get used to a particular way of life, you have a certain band of brothers; you get used to it,” Watson said.  “You know at any given time they’ll have your back. I know the importance of that. (Ken) Potter here, I couldn’t ask for a better partner in my District.

Watson added he appreciated each of the constables and civilians that took part in the class.