570 Acre Refuge Dedicated to the Late Sgt. Lee Russell

CARROLL COUNTY-. Today the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency dedicated a 570-acre refuge to the late Sgt. Lee Russell

Sgt. Lee Russell served in the aviation division of the Tennessee Highway Patrol where he assisted with search and rescue, warrant execution, air cover, and more. In August 2022, Sgt. Russell tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash while on duty. Today family, friends, and community members joined together to celebrate his legacy.

“He helped save countless lives as well as, you know, caught several bad guys. And in the process, we I'm very thankful for Lee and the relationship that we had. And he was a dedicated law enforcement officer as well as a waterfowl. So, this really brings it home and carries his legacy on.” says TWRA, Commissioner Monte Blew.

The commissioner explains that it is very rare that they name places after people, but Sgt. Lee Russell deserved nothing less.

“It was my number one priority for the Commission this year to do this. And because we don't name a lot of things after people, you know, and so I was very thankful that they were unanimously voted to name this after Lee Russell, because that's the kind of guy he was. He was literally top notch.” said Commissioner Monte Blew.

TWRA Chief of Multimedia Management Don King created a video in memory of Sgt. Lee. The video included friends, family, and notable leaders such as Governor Bill Lee.

“He loved life, he loved his family, and I could really tell he had a passion for the law enforcement and the outdoors.”

The Sergeant Lee Russell Refuge is located at 680 McAdoo Cemetery Lane in Huntingdon Tennessee.