GUTH AND SELBY HONORED FOR METH LAB ERADICATION

Two of Sparta's finest were honored by their peers at a ceremony in
Cookeville on Thursday.

Sparta Police Chief Jeff Guth and Investigator Allen Selby were both
commended for their role in the eradication of methamphetamine labs in the
law enforcement effort known as Operation Stop Gap. The combined efforts
gained the honor of the Case Of The Year for the entire Southeast District
including seven states for the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force
(OCDETF).

Selby was given a special honor, a plaque and cup, in recognition of his
contribution to the effort in Middle Tennessee, presented by the Drug
Enforcement Administration (DEA) Atlanta office.

Chief Guth talked about Selby's dedication to the protection of the
citizens of Sparta and the eradication of the highly dangerous and damaging
methamphetamine production.

"We have garnered the respect of the federal government," Guth said, "and
Alan has been a key player in that effort. He has a natural ability for
investigation and the respect of law enforcement in Middle Tennessee. We
are very proud of him."

Guth also said he is proud of the work all of his officers have done. He is
also proud of their families, particularly Selby's. The family members
stand behind the officers and put up with long hours and last-minute
changes of plans and intrusions on family life.

Harry Sommers, the resident agent in charge, (RAIN) for the DEA said, "I
couldn't speak more confidently about Allen Selby. He is DEA trained, and
the entire Upper Cumberland is fortunate to have him here."

Operation Stop Gap was part of a multi-state effort to slow down the flow
of methamphetamines, conducted by multiple agencies. In August 2000, the
operation was initiated with the U.S. Attorney's Office, the Drug
Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S.
Marshals Service and state and local law enforcement agencies including the
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Sheriff's offices of Putnam,
DeKalb, Fentress, Overton, Smith, Cumberland and White Counties and the
Sparta Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Larry Moon said, while speaking to the group of law
enforcement officials, "You 'all are the most splendid people I have ever
worked with. You came in with no egos and no agendas, but with a resolve to
solve this common problem with meth. You did produce results to be proud of."

The Sparta Police Dept. was instrumental due to a business located within
the city limits that was allegedly a major supplier of the chemicals which
are used to create the drug.

This cooperative effort from law enforcement agencies in Middle Tennessee
resulted in a 50 percent reduction of the clandestine labs.

"We did produce measurable results," Guth said.

The cooperation of local agencies with highly touted federal agencies like
the FBI and DEA is unique, but very effective. "This operation stood out
because of the cooperation between the agencies," Guth went on to explain.
"The more the merrier. We are a small department. Any help from other
agencies is welcome."