Gone, but never forgotten.
A brotherhood forged by blood, sweat and tears was fully display Monday morning as representatives with the Tennessee Constables Association presented a plaque remembering Landon Pritchard to his wife, Betty, at the Elizabethton Star office.
Landon, remembered for being dedicated to his craft, served as a Carter County Constable and will be forever recognized as an asset to the community. Carter County Constables Ken Potter, Tim Lyons and Harvey Shaffer, along with Carter County Mayor Leon Humphrey and Sullivan County Constable Kent Harris were in attendance for the plaque presentation to Betty.
“It’s a rarity that you’ll have someone give 50 years of their life to public service,” Humphrey said. “It’s warranted. I appreciate Mr. Potter and all the constables for being here today. They are an essential part of our community. They provide a tremendous service at no cost to the citizens. They’re volunteering time, and Mr. Pritchard is a perfect example of someone who went above and beyond.”
Constables of the future will be able to use the work put in place by the late constable, according to Potter.
“He helped us set a lot of standards, like with training,” Potter said. “Even though he was sick during last year’s in-service, he had an oxygen tank. That’s just a testament of what this job meant to him. He made it to every class. Everything he put forth, like the way he did this job, will last long with the association and we’ll continue to work on the standards that he and others have left over the years.”
When discussing the brotherhood of the constables, it comes more to a big family, Potter added. Betty shared an embrace with each of the officers and Potter commended her work, alongside Landon, during the late night calls.
“With all those late night calls and the work they gave, it was an honor to do this,” Potter said. “Landon was that type person. No matter what time you called, he went. He always answered the call.”
Stories were shared following the presentation of the hard work Landon brought to the community.
“Mr. Pritchard was a fine gentleman and a great constable,” Lyons said. “That’s what he lived his life for.”
Shaffer recalled with a smile about Pritchard’s time with the fire department and that no matter what he did, Landon would always want to do it to the best of his ability.
“We really appreciate him,” Shaffer said. “We’re going to miss him.”
Landon’s reach wasn’t just limited to Carter County either, according to Harris.
“It was a privilege and honor to be here,” Harris said. “I’ve known Landon for several years. His services went beyond Carter County. He helped with the camping at Bristol Motor Speedway during the races. He also helped with the Bristol Rhythm and Roots Festival. He was always very professional and did so much for Northeast Tennessee.”