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All branches of law enforcement along with members of the 8^th Judicial District came together on April 20 to remember those who have suffered by the hands of criminals. A commemorative walk was held during the inaugural edition of the Walk for Victims event, held locally in the Harrogate City Park.

The week-long series of walks were part of the National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. Each of the five counties within the 8^th Judicial District took to the walking paths in recognition and support of victims and their families.

Keynote speakers Pam and David Tripp remembered the late Doug Tripp, as they spoke on behalf of all crime victims.

Doug Trip was the THP trooper who was murdered in 1991 in the line of duty.

The veteran trooper was shot ten times in the head, neck and shoulder areas with a .22 caliber rifle, while sitting in his cruiser at the Tazewell Muffler Shop. The murder occurred minutes before midnight on May 18. Tripp was pronounced dead soon after, on the 19^th.

He was reportedly shot to death because of a speeding ticket.

The Rev. Dustin Callahan provided the invocation and offered words of encouragement.

Representatives from each of the four cities presented Proclamations declaring April 19-24 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. Cumberland Gap mayor Neil Pucciarelli, New Tazewell and Tazewell police chiefs Ben Evans and Jeremy Myers and Harrogate vice-mayor Troy Poore presented their versions of the Proclamation.

County mayor Joe Brooks also presented a countywide proclamation. Several elected county officials showed their support by participating in the inaugural event.

“I was humbled by the outpouring of support for crime victims and their families by everyone who attended our Walk for Victims. Crime victims deserve our support, and I am honored to be their voice in our criminal justice system,” said attorney general Jared Effler.

Event partners include the Claiborne County Family Justice Center, the Claiborne County Children’s Center, the Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office, Police Departments from the four cities and the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

Community partners include Community Health of East Tennessee (CHET) and Smoky Mountain Home Health and Hospice, whose representatives were present during the event.