Like many of our local leaders, Jerry Lawson wears many hats while serving our community: Sheriff’s deputy by day, mayor of the City of Luttrell in the evening.
Lawson began serving as mayor on July 1, 2019, and has made some large strides in a short amount of time. Although the position of mayor, which is the chief executive officer of the municipality, may conjure images of administrative office work only, but the job bears a lot more responsibility than presiding over meetings — although that is an important aspect of the position.
Under Lawson’s watch as mayor, the sewer fund has grown from $31,000 to about $170,000 with a goal of the state-recommended $200,000 in reserves. Of that growth, $53,000 was awarded in a grant.
The city of Luttrell has plowed through a long list of needed improvements, tackling the biggest issues first, and has cut that list in half. Each sewer plant lift station has two pumps. When Lawson began, seven of them only had one working pump. That number is down to two, and these pumps can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 to repair or replace.
Lawson’s regular duties as mayor include, but are not limited to, checking lift stations, checking on the city lights, and working on plans for the city.
Luttrell was recently awarded four grants for various purposes, all of which must be tracked to ensure all expenditures remain in compliance with the grant specifications, and provide feedback as required by the grant terms.
For others considering entering the political arena, Lawson says you have to do right in all situations, and even when it’s not what you want, you have to do right for the community and the people that you serve.
Lawson grew up in Luttrell and graduated from Union County High School in 2002, in the first class to have graduated from Horace Maynard as a middle school. He remembers being strongly impacted by a law enforcement officer visiting his high school with a drug dog and that being the point at which he decided that he wanted to pursue a career in law enforcement. He was hired by the Sheriff’s department after high school and is now a sergeant.
Lawson says the work is not easy. To stay in the job you’d better know what you are doing and what you are talking about, and have a good head on your shoulders, because you will be tested. He says you have to be able to talk to people and remain calm in intense moments and talk them down to de-escalate a situation to avoid using force. Officers don’t answer a call wanting to fight, they answer to help people in need.
When asked if the national issues with officers have had an impact locally, he replied “Not much, a few people might be a little more disrespectful than people used to be, but it’s really not bad here in Union County.”
For those considering a career in law enforcement, he cautions that it’s not a high paying job, but it is hugely rewarding, citing removal of a child from a bad situation and years later the child thanks you, or a drug addict who after a year in jail gets their life on track and has more than they lost in the first place.
Lawson relayed, “We can’t change people, but we can set up those who are willing and wanting to change to be successful at gaining a new life.”
Luttrell’s population was 1,074 at the 2010 census, up from 915 at the 2000 census, and is approximately 1,200 today. It boasts a recently constructed city hall where the city council meets.
Lawson feels that Luttrell could have so much more if things keep getting lined up, but wants to see Luttrell remain distinct in its flavor and flair, such as their annual Easter Egg Hunt and Music Festival. He would love to see Luttrell get back to having its own police force, but he understands that first trust must be rebuilt. Lawson hopes to see some growth in youth opportunities, new businesses coming in, and more local events once the restrictions associated with COVID-19 pass. He expects that will require an effective vaccine before we get to the “new normal” that we are all anxious to see.
For those considering opening a business, Lawson wants you to know that Union County is different from other places — the people are very friendly so be you’ll want to be friendly in return.
He prays for God’s protection for him, his family, and the city of Luttrell. Lawson’s favorite saying that guides him is “When you have done all you can do, just stand.”
Luttrell City Hall is on Highway 61 East (mailing address PO Box 82 Luttrell, TN 37779) and the phone number is (865) 992-0870. Luttrell City Council meets on the third Monday of each month.