{Editor’s Note: This is the fourth of a multi-part series highlighting all the essential folks in Moore County. Readers nominated each interview subject. To nominate someone, email [email protected].}

Metro Sheriff’s Department Deputy Shaun Sherrill likes his routine. During his 12 hour shifts, he usually directs school traffic, attends Moore County court sessions, and serves civil and criminal warrants to locals. Today, work days look a lot different. Schools are closed. Unless it’s an emergency, courts aren’t in session and the department’s suspended serving folks for the time being. Even traffic stops are different.

“We’re a little more lenient,” Deputy Sherrill says. “We’re trying to avoid unnecessary contact. But you’ll still absolutely get pulled over if you are doing something dangerous.”

A native of Tullahoma, Deputy Sherrill moved here with his family in the second grade. He’s worked with the Metro Sheriff’s Department since 2007 — first as a corrections officer and then as a deputy. He and his wife, Mandy, live on Tanyard Hill with their four kids: Seth, an MCHS senior; Dillion, a MCMS seventh grader; Natalie a LES fourth grader; and Brayden, who just started Pre K this year. Adult son, Patrick, also lives nearby.

Deputy Sherrill says Lynchburg just feels different these days. Without the tourist, things are quiet. He also thinks locals seems to be doing their part, which adds to the reduced traffic.

“I think a majority took the Stay at Home order to heart,” he says. “I still see some of the younger ones out riding around but we haven’t had to break up any large groups.”

He says he’s taken the social distancing rules to heart too. He does the shopping for his family while his wife and kids stay safely at home. He’s says they are constantly disinfecting and using hand sanitizer.

He takes precautions on the job too. Sherrill says that deputies usually arrive on scene first, especially at medical calls, and rush right in. Now, they need to get in personal protective equipment (PPE) — N95 masks and gloves first. Unless it’s a matter of life-or-death, they sometimes wait on EMS to arrive before heading in.

When asked about Moore County’s zero COVID-19 cases, Deputy Sherrill credits both local cooperation and Jack Daniel’s early decision to shut down public tours.

“The distillery jumped out there pretty quick and most local businesses followed,” he says.

Deputy Sherrill says fewer tourists means fewer people and less overall risk for locals. Though he understands the reasons for all the extra precautions, Deputy Sherrill says he’s looking forward to life returning to normal in Lynchburg.

“I’m just so used to having lots of interactions with people,” Deputy Sherrill says. “I’m looking forward to getting back into that routine.” •

{The Lynchburg Times is the only independently owned and operated newspaper in Moore County … covering Metro Moore County government, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Nearest Green Distillery, the Lynchburg Music Fest, Tims Ford State Park, Motlow State Community College, Moore County High School, Moore County Middle School, Lynchburg Elementary, Raider Sports, plus regional and state news.}