Shane Tate's Family Needs You

Last month, my mother and I traveled a little over an hour to Altamont, TN in Grundy County. Although, it is one of the most scenic areas in the Cumberland Mountains we were not there for pleasure. Our designation was the Layne Funeral Home. Tony Tate, a co-worker and friend lost his son and we were there for the Visitation. Many local people, co-workers, friends of the family and law officers were there to show their support for Shane Tate's family. The funeral home was overflowing with people.

On June 5th, 2008, Shane Tate, a Grundy County (Tennessee) sheriff's deputy, was killed in the line of duty when he attempted serve a probation warrant in Monteagle, TN. We didn't attend the funeral, but I understand a couple hundred people went to the funeral and people lined the road to pay their respects to Deputy Shane Tate as the hearse drove to the cemetery.

Tony is outgoing, friendly, and will help anyone who needs assistance without hesitation. I never met Shane, but from what I understand he took after his daddy. He became a sheriff's deputy not because of the pay, but because he wanted to help others. Although he worked for the Grundy County Sheriff's Office for three years as a correctional officer; he had just graduated from Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy a couple of weeks before his death. Just the week before Shane was killed, Tony was proudly showing everyone a photo of Shane taken after his graduation.

This Saturday, July 5th, starting at 9 a.m., a benefit is being held to raise money for the Shane's wife and children at the Smith County AG Expo Center in South Carthage, TN. Shane, who just turned 29 in March, left behind a wife, a son, two daughters, and two stepdaughters. His son at the age of five is the oldest. At the benefit, there will be music by Trick Pony and Southern Drawl, food, silent auction, dunking booth, inflatables for kids and much more.

Shane's family needs your help. If you are unable to come to the benefit, but still want to donate money to the Shane Tate Memorial Fund, you can. Just send your donation to the Citizens Tri-County Bank, Altamont Branch, P. O. Box 96, Altamont, TN, 37301. Be sure to mention the donation is for the Shane Tate Memorial Fund.

Thank for in advance for any contributions for Shane's family.

Your prayers are also appreciated.

For more information about Deputy Shane Tate
Grundy County Newspaper article
"Tennessee Deputy Laid to Rest"
"Slain Grundy County officer 'like brother' to local deputy"
Tribute to Shane: on youtube
WDEF, Channel 12 News out of Chattanooga (Video)