Sheriff’s Deputy Luke Tapscott retires after 30 years
By Hailey Casey
After 30 years of dedicated service to the Morgan County community, Deputy Luke Tapscott has retired from the Morgan County Sheriff’s Department.
Tapscott began his working career in the sheriff’s department as a correctional officer, then ended his career as a process server. He leaves behind a legacy of utmost commitment, professionalism and service to public safety.
Throughout his career, Deputy Tapscott served with honor, answering the calls for service, helping those in need, supporting his fellow officers and working to make the community of Morgan County a better place. The job of a sheriff deputy requires sacrifice, long hours, difficult decisions and time away from family. Tapscott said, “My career required a lot of sacrifice. There were many seven-day workweeks and extra overtime on the weekends, meaning I would miss birthdays, Christmas and family events.” Through it all, though, Tapscott remained committed to the responsibilities and values of the badge.
Beyond his daily duties of the department, Tapscott dedicates his life off duty to being a devoted husband, father of four and a friend to many in the community.
Photos/Special to The Source
Luke Tapscott, far left, outside the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office with his family, Adisyn
Tapscott, Clayton Sexton, Abigail Casey, Amy Tapscott and Hailey Casey.
Often throughout his years of service responding to the call of the citizens of Morgan County, he would then answer the call of his family. Tapscott said, “I would go to work during the day, serve my community and put in my time for the department. After work, going home and providing for my family was my priority when the badge was off.”
In reflection on all who have supported him during his career serving for the citizens of Morgan County, Tapscott shared, “My thanks goes out to my wife, Amy, and our family; Sheriff James Robson, Jr. and Mike Ryan; my best friend, Brian Coultas; and CR’s Drive-In [Carl and Ruthie Coultas]; and the citizens of Morgan County.”
Tapscott’s experience, leadership and dedication have made a lasting impact on the department and on those fortunate to work alongside him.
Retirement marks the end of one important chapter but also the beginning of another. While the uniform may be hung up and the radio calls will become memories, the friendships, experiences and contributions made throughout his career will not be forgotten.
While being interviewed, Tapscott relayed advice directed to new, incoming officers. He stated, “You never know what people are going through when you are directed to a call. It does not matter what they are going through, you always must treat people with respect because you are there to serve them. In order to get respect, you must show respect.”
The department extends its sincere gratitude to Deputy Tapscott for his years of faithful service and wishes him and his family the very best. May this next chapter bring well-deserved rest, new adventures, quality time with loved ones and the opportunity to enjoy the rewards of a career devoted to serving others.
*Editor’s ending note: The author of this article is a young adult, one of the children in the Tapscott family. The love and respect portrayed by the words of Hailey Casey are further evidence of another job well done by Luke Tapscott, that of a parent.
