OFFICIALS HAVE NEW TRUCK TO ASSIST IN FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS

The word "safety" was mentioned numerous times Friday as Washington County
Sheriff Ed Graybeal and Assistant U.S. Attorney Russ Dedrick unveiled
Washington County's new methamphetamine supply truck. "This truck possesses
a great safety factor for everyone involved in dealing with a
methamphetamine lab on our staff," Graybeal said.

"There is something on this truck that will make a meth scene safer for the
workers, any children involved; basically, for anyone around the area."

The unveiling took place inside Gray's Armed Forces Reserve Center. Many of
those attending the event were impressed by the type of truck featured, its
abilities and the price tag that came with it.

The methamphetamine truck is a Ford F-350 Superduty that contains a
state-of-the-art computer system and radio equipped to handle
communications throughout Northeast Tennessee. To go along with all the
bells and whistles, a specialized bed was designed to hold everything from
protective suits and masks to first-aid gear.

Grant Lowe of the East Tennessee Methamphetamine Task Force, who doubles as
one of the truck's main drivers, and Dedrick elaborated a bit more on the
vehicle's capabilities.

"You have all the combat equipment needed in the redesigned bed of this
truck," Lowe said. "Everything one might need to work up to a Level B
methamphetamine lab is right here.

"But obviously, the truck's main purpose is to assist the police working a
lab, help them gain evidence and disassemble a meth lab. The safety factor
that this truck provides is essential in working one of these labs."

"We already have seven ... of these trucks in East Tennessee and they can
cover 41 of the state' s 95 counties," Dedrick said. "Hamilton County
learned to build these trucks for under $50,000. They buy them used through
a $1 million grant East Tennessee receives from the Justice Department.
It's some well spent money."

Graybeal was encouraged by how well the trucks have done in previous incidents.

"These trucks have a history of good performance in methamphetamine cases
and we're fortunate to now have one," Graybeal said.

"What's good is that it will now be available to the 1st Judicial (District
Drug Task Force). In the past we would rely on a truck coming from another
county. Now, with the supply truck and the community program that's been
instilled to recognize methamphetamine and its components with the help of
area businesses, we're better equipped to hopefully prevent and cope with
future occurrences."