Denton honored as city’s top employee
It wasn’t a boyhood dream to become a police officer for McMinnville Police Captain Bryan Denton. In fact, Denton says it was the last thing he wanted to do.
But after a little encouragement from his father, who was a career law enforcement officer, Denton reluctantly went to work at Warren County Jail as a jailer.
After a few months on the job, Denton’s attitude toward law enforcement began to change and he found himself more interested in making law enforcement a career of his own.
Moving on to become a deputy for the county, Denton decided to make a change to the city after about a year, and in June 1982 became a city police officer.
After 21 years of service to the city, 2003 brought Denton the McMinnville Employee of the Year award.
“Considering the good quality people employed by the city, it’s truly an honor to be recognized,” said Denton.
Along with the city award, this year has been a big one for Denton in the awards department. He has received numerous other awards including Exchangite of the Year, Best of the Best law enforcement for Warren County and the state of Tennessee, and City Employee of the Quarter.
McMinnville Mayor Royce Davenport proudly presented Denton the award, which included a plaque and $100.
The Employee of the Year was chosen from those winning Employee of the Quarter throughout the year, which in 2003 included Freda Black, Denton, Jess Pease and Mike Lane.
Davenport also presented other city of McMinnville service awards with those receiving honors including Howard Farris and Shawn Wilson for 10 years of service; Shirley Durham, Jim Brock, Chris Lefevers, Jimmy Priest, Garvis Stafford, Bill Brock, Ron Hillis, Frank Southard, Jerry Foster, Brenda Russell, and Jerry Wilson 15 years; Daisy Hobbs, Faye Prater, David Adams, Jess Pease, and Dewayne Rackley 20 years; Daniel Burgess and John Morgan 25 years.