Search And Rescue With Shane Petty

Shane Petty makes a return to the show to share more stories of search and rescue from his decades-long career serving the state of Tennessee.

Petty talks about the first search and rescue he was called to work, the fascinating study of Lost Person Behavior, and why it’s still necessary to know how to use a compass and map even with today’s advanced technology.

You can also hear Petty in his first appearance in Episode 17.

Episode Guests

Shane Petty began his career with Tennessee State Parks in 1987 as a seasonal ranger and became a full-time ranger at Henry Horton State Park in 1989.

In 1993, he was named assistant chief for law enforcement for the state system and was promoted to chief ranger in 1997—a role he served in for 25 years.

He was the Emergency Services Coordinator for Tennessee State Parks where he was responsible for the safety and security for 30 million visitors annually. In this role, Petty oversaw all special operations divisions such as horse mounted, search and rescue, wildland fire response, high angle rope rescue, and the K-9 division.

Petty has earned many career accolades, including the 2004 Fraternal Order of Police Law Officer Achievement Award for his 5-day manhunt and capture of murder suspect Parker Ray Elliott in Maury County; the 2006 CSCC Alumni of the Year; in 2017 Gov. Bill Haslam recognized a Day of Honor for Petty’s lifetime achievements in search and rescue; and in 2019 First Farmers Merchant Bank honored him with its Achievement Award.

Guest Information

Website: Tennessee State Parks
Twitter: Shane Petty
LinkedIn: Shane Petty

Episode Resources

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