Tennessee names Arizona official as Correction commissioner

NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee announced a new Department of Correction commissioner on Tuesday.

Frank Strada is deputy director for the Arizona Department of Corrections, where he oversees prison operations, inmate programs, public affairs, facilities management and financial services, according to a news release from Gov. Bill Lee’s office.

Strada will take over as TDOC commissioner on Jan. 9.

TDOC was recently the subject of a special investigation into problems with how it carries out executions. A report released just after Christmas found the state broke its own rules during every execution since the rules were revised in 2018.

“Frank’s extensive corrections management and law enforcement experience make him well-suited to lead the Department of Correction, and I am confident he will serve Tennessee with integrity,” Lee said in a news release.

Strada takes over from Lisa Helton, who was appointed interim commission in late 2021 after the retirement of former Commissioner Tony Parker. Helton will continue to serve as assistant commissioner for community supervision.

Tennessee National Guard rescues Appalachian Trail hikers

KNOXVILLE (AP) — The Tennessee National Guard says it has used a military helicopter to rescue two hikers who were stranded on the Appalachian Trail.

In a news release, the Guard says the hikers were stranded on Dec. 31 due to sheer cliffs and drop-offs during early morning darkness in the Sampson Mountain Wilderness Area, south of Johnson City.

The Guard says the Greene County Sheriff’s Office requested the air support after deputies were unable to reach the hikers.

The crew from the 1-230th Assault Helicopter Battalion in Knoxville consisted of two pilots, a crew chief and two flight paramedics. They made the rescue that morning and administered aid during the brief flight to the hospital.

The Guard says the hikers have recovered from minor injuries.

Admiral Propane fire results in no injuries

The Greeneville Fire Department, in conjunction with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, has completed a preliminary investigation of the incident that occurred at Admiral Propane in Greeneville Dec. 27.

According to a statement from GFD Fire Chief Alan Shipley, a support member for a propane tank at the Forest Street facility failed due to recent cold temperatures.

The tank overturned and damaged a valve which resulted in release of propane gas. The gas travelled into a nearby structure and found an ignition source, which resulted in significant damage to the structure and ignited the gas venting from the damaged tank.

There were no injuries reported and both agencies have determined that the incident was isolated. Measures are being implemented to prevent a similar occurrence from happening in the future. As a follow-up, GFD personnel made visits to area propane vendors.