INNOCENTS PAY THE PRICE

The recent death of a Scott County police officer during a raid on a mobile
home where the manufacture of methamphetamine was suspected is a tragically
powerful reminder of the dangers posed by the scourge of this illegal drug:
Its impact can claim the innocent. It is all the more tragic that the fatal
shot that struck Sgt. Hubert "John John" Yancey was fired by a colleague -
Deputy Marty Carson, who was unaware that Yancey had entered the dimly
lighted mobile home.

It was fitting that, at the funeral of Yancey, the officer's wife requested
that Carson serve as a pallbearer.

Friendly fire might mitigate the circumstances, but it doesn't ease the pain.

District Attorney General Paul Phillips noted the loss of a dedicated
public servant who was "vigorously working to rid this county of the
methamphetamine that is doing so much damage to our community."

Methamphetamine has exploded on the scene in rural East and Middle
Tennessee during the past decade.

It is manufactured for the most part in fly-by-night situations, with the
contents carried in small suitcases, duffel bags or backpacks. The
mountains and hills of the area might offer a shield against law
enforcement, but that is beginning to prove deceptive.

With state and local law enforcement agencies bearing down and with federal
grants offering the prospect of wider searches and more vigorous
prosecution of suspects, the days of meth labs might be numbered.

However, as a region, we are far from declaring victory. Other police
officers and deputies in East Tennessee will continue to risk their lives
to protect society - especially children of the manufacturers - from the
myriad dangers of methamphetamine. We will continue to owe them our thanks
and appreciation, and we owe the families of Yancey and Carson our
heartfelt sympathies.