In addition to full-time and part-time deputies who put their lives on the line every day, the department’s 122 volunteers are a much-appreciated part of the work force at the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. None of the unpaid professionals is a bigger volunteer than Steve Buchanan, who has put in 4,386 hours over the past four years.
That’s why he was an easy choice to honor when a local business partnered with the SCSO to honor a local hero. When he’s not running his Streamline Security Company that he started eight years ago, Buchanan has served the SCSO in Emergency Services, the Reserve Division and the Special Response Unit (an arm of the Search and Rescue Team that is chosen for specific assignments). He was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2016 and added to the Command Staff for Emergency Services.
He and other volunteers do more than just volunteer their time on the job. They earn the right to serve with hundreds of hours in specialized training.
Sheriff Bill Oldham said, “Steve demonstrates the values and dedication that volunteers should strive for. He continues to go over and beyond his call to serve while maintaining professionalism, integrity and an example for all law enforcement.”
Many people have asked about Buchanan’s penchant for community service, and SCSO Public Information Officer Earle Farrell said the volunteer sums it up very simply. “He says, ‘If I’ve gotta explain it to you, you wouldn’t understand it anyway.’”
He likes to help people. He likes to give back. And he takes joy in the service, he said. It’s something he didn’t get to do when he was younger. Now, it’s an integral part of who Buchanan is.
The Main Event entertainment center in Memphis (near Bartlett) honored Buchanan and his family on Oct. 7 with a day’s VIP experience. The recognition was part of the facility’s preparation for National head for FUNday on Oct. 10.
Commanders and deputies from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office greeted Buchanan and family members as they arrived. They were treated to a ride to and from the center in an UBER Black vehicle and were able to enjoy video games, unlimited bowling, laser tag, billiards and gravity ropes, as well as dinner.
Main Event Memphis General Manager Paul Hart said, “Steve Buchanan deserves a day to cut loose and have fun with his family, and it’s our honor to treat them—that’s something we believe in for everybody. It’s our company’s mission and it’s why we put National Head for FUNday into action. We are inspired by Steve and hope his day of Eat.Bowl.Play at Main Event is a day to remember.”
National Head for FUNday on Oct. 10 allowed anyone who came to the center between 8 a.m. and noon to get a free hour of bowling, shoes included and a free $10 FUNcard that could be used on video games. Main Event Memphis is located at 7219 Appling Farms Parkway.
Written by Carolyn Bahm, Express editor. Contact her at (901) 433-9138 or via email to bartlett.editor@journalinc.com.
