Huntingdon, Tenn.–It’s now called the Sgt. Lee Russell Carroll County Airport, in honor of the late Tennessee Highway Patrol helicopter pilot who lost his life in a helicopter crash while on duty in the summer of 2022.
Sgt. Russell lived in McKenzie.
He was a familiar face to many in our area, as he was a former Henry County deputy and flew many missions for local and area law enforcement agencies as a THP pilot. Russell was the son of retired THP Lt. Steve Russell of McKenzie, who also was a deputy for the Henry County Sheriff’s Office before working for the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
By a unanimous vote, the Carroll County Commission approved the resolution naming the airport for Sgt. Russell.
At the time of his death, Carroll County Mayor Joseph Butler said, “We are completely heartbroken with the news of Sgt. Lee Russell’s passing. Sgt. Russell was a dedicated husband, father, son, law enforcement officer, and friend.”