Jamie Free is a lifelong resident of Sullivan County, Tennessee, with deep roots in the Kingsport area. Inspired by his uncle Jim McConnell—a Kingsport Police Officer for 31 years—and two cousins who also served and retired from the Kingsport Police Department, Jamie knew from an early age that law enforcement was his calling.

He began his career with the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office in June 1990, starting in the corrections division where he quickly rose to the role of Senior Officer. Over the next three decades, Jamie served in a wide range of capacities including patrol, field training, crash reconstruction, IT support, evidence management, and training coordination. His versatility and dedication made him an invaluable asset to the department.

Jamie graduated from the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy in 1996 and transitioned to patrol, where he became a Field Training Officer and a member of the F.I.R.S.T. Team (Fatal Incident Reconstruction Support Team). He earned certifications in Active Shooter Response, Child Passenger Safety, and Basic Criminal Investigation, and later became an SFST and Radar/Lidar Instructor.

After a knee injury in 2005, Jamie adapted his role to support IT and dispatch operations, eventually accepting a position in the department’s IT division. He later managed the evidence unit, overseeing property, seized vehicles, and departmental key systems. In 2014, Jamie returned to patrol, earning DUI Officer of the Year and achieving Master Patrolman status.

In 2016, Jamie and his Sergeant led the department to victory in the Tennessee Law Enforcement Challenge, securing a new patrol vehicle and grant funding. That same year, he was honored as East Tennessee Officer of the Year by the Tennessee Highway Safety Office.

Promoted to Patrol Sergeant in 2017, Jamie embraced his role as a mentor and leader, guiding new officers and shaping the future of law enforcement in his community. He retired in 2023 after 33 years of distinguished service.

Jamie is married and the proud father of four daughters, three sons-in-law, and grandfather to four grandchildren. His legacy is one of service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to public safety.