Deputy Chief Britt Reed retires

Losing two domestic violence victims to murder influenced then-Detective Britt Reed to implement changes that potentially saved lives.

One victim was killed by her husband and the second victim was killed by her boyfriend.

“Once you realize the potential of lethality of cases, that’s when really started doing lethality assessments to determine the potential risk and danger levels to domestic violence victims,” Reed said. “We started doing our lethality assessments and following up on all domestic violence cases whether an assault occurred or not.”

The assessment was one of the changes Reed implemented during his 30-year career at the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office.

Reed reflected his career before he retired Tuesday.

A law enforcement career attracted Reed when he was in high school. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and joined the Sheriff’s Office as a patrol deputy in 1995.

He became a detective who concentrated on family crimes four years later. He was promoted to a detective sergeant and later transferred back to the Patrol Division as a lieutenant. He was promoted to Criminal Investigations Division captain and later major and deputy chief over law enforcement. He earned his master’s degree in criminal justice.

Another murder case he remembers is the 1999 disappearance and believed death of Riverdale High School student China Videon. The case remains under investigation.

“I was involved in the case early on and I still think about that case,” Reed said. “You don’t forget about China and her family.”

As he rose in the ranks, Reed set goals to advance deputies through specialized training and other means to grow in their positions.

“Everywhere I’ve been, I’ve tried to leave the division better,” Reed said, adding he developed supervisors and deputies to lead the agency.

When he was promoted to deputy chief three years ago, he supervised the Criminal Investigations Division, Patrol Division, SRO Division, Judicial Services Division and Criminal Warrants Division.

“As deputy chief, being able to be a part of the overall law enforcement and to watch how well those divisions operated and see how these leaders grow their people, that’s what I’ve enjoyed,“ Reed said.

Reed said he was honored to serve with the Sheriff’s Office and the Rutherford County community for 30 years.

“I got to live my dream,” Reed said.

During his retirement ceremony Tuesday, Sheriff Mike Fitzhugh, who worked closely with Reed in the Patrol Division and the command staff, reflected on their experiences.

“I enjoyed every minute,” Fitzhugh said. “We’re going to miss you.”

Chief Deputy Keith Lowery told Reed he was appreciated.

Reed thanked his mother, Donna, for being with him day and night through his career. He thanked his wife, Mary Esther Reed, and their extended family for supporting him and his co-workers for their friendships.

“You were my second family when I walked in 30 years ago,” Reed said. “I hope you all stay safe and take care of each other. Thank you for the memories.”