THE SIREN’S blare often signals a crisis — a moment when fear and vulnerability intersect. For those dealing with mental health challenges, this encounter can be particularly frightening. The thin blue line, meant to protect and serve, can sometimes exacerbate the trauma rather than alleviate it. However, through it all, a spark of hope emerges. Mental health emergencies demand intentionality and an in-depth understanding of human suffering. Here in Tullahoma, a different approach to policing is rewriting the narrative.
Officers like patrol Sgt. Rocky Ruehling, with the Tullahoma Police Department, are transforming the way communities interact with law enforcement, particularly during mental health crises. Ruehling is the kind of officer who doesn’t hesitate to sit on a living room couch and share a silent moment with someone in crisis until the storm within subsides.
Recently promoted to patrol sergeant, Ruehling leads shift A (days), overseeing everything from morning briefings to handling calls and supervising his team.
“I am responsible for pretty much everything the shift does during our daily tour,” he explained.
Ruehling began his law enforcement career in Tullahoma in December 2010, transitioning from a small town in Franklin County. To his surprise, the shift wasn’t just geographical — it was cultural.
“Most of us at that time were fairly new to policing,” Ruehling recalled. “I had been an officer for a small town in Franklin County for only six years when I joined Tullahoma, so there was somewhat of a culture shock.”
Large amounts of snow impacted his first few weeks, leaving Tullahoma covered in white. Even in the frost, Ruehling found warmth in his connections with new colleagues. He became close friends with now-Chief of Police Chase Sons and Moore County Deputy Chris Coe. He spent his early years under the guidance of experienced officers like his first patrol sergeant, Steve Brazier.
Ruehling has served in various roles throughout his career, including a two-year tenure with the Tullahoma Housing Authority. This position focused on calls and investigations within apartment complexes and exposed him to the realities of narcotics-related issues. He partnered closely with the investigations unit and helped to successfully disrupt many narcotic operations. He remembers this time period as both demanding and rewarding.
As his tenure there came to an end, the residents honored him with a special plaque to show their appreciation for his service.
“This was not the housing authority or the police department, but a recognition directly from the people, and I couldn’t have felt more honored,” Ruehling recalled. “It’s a moment I will cherish forever.”
Like many officers, Ruehling’s primary challenge has been rebuilding trust between the police and the community. He stands confidently in his promise to engage positively and safely with the city of Tullahoma.
“It has been of utmost importance to me to build that positive relationship between the police and the public,” he explained. “I see a lot of people who have lost faith in police because of the despicable actions of a few, and I try to assure people every day that officers like that are not the norm. The majority of us care and will do everything we can to help them in their time of crisis.”
Given Ruehling’s strong inclination toward community service, it’s no surprise he found a home in a department equally dedicated to serving its residents. Events like “Bowling with Badges,” where kids bowl with officers, and “National Night Out,” full of games and activities, are just a few examples of the department’s involvement in the community’s daily affairs.
Today, a paradigm shift is underway. Programs like Critical Incident Teams are redefining the functions of law enforcement, using de-escalation strategies, empathy, and crisis intervention. At the forefront of this transformation are officers like Ruehling, who possess an extraordinary ability to connect with people in distress. They offer consolation and support in the darkest of hours.
This team consists of officers who are individually trained to help people who face mental illnesses and are currently experiencing a crisis,” he explained.
“Sometimes, helping those experiencing a mental health crisis is effortless. It may be sitting on a couch with someone watching television with them until they become calm enough to deal with the issue at hand or just sitting at a kitchen table with a cup of coffee, talking about unrelated topics to take their mind off what they’re dealing with. Effortless activity that means the world to someone else could be the difference between a positive and tragic outcome.”
Ruehling is also a huge advocate for education and training for future officers.
“Education is extremely crucial for the success of any police department,” he explained.
As part of the Field Training Officer program, he equips new recruits with the skills they need to succeed.
Ruehling is optimistic about the next decade of law enforcement. He foresees a future where policing continues to evolve positively, both locally and nationally. He anticipates better training, resources, and a promise to address past challenges.
Outside of work, Ruehling’s life revolves around his family. He has been married to Michelle for 11 years and has four children and two grandchildren. Staying connected with his mother is something he values deeply.
“I am very fortunate to still have my mother, Lynda, whom I speak with on the phone daily.”
Whether he’s reading, learning computer programming, or spending quality time with his loved ones, Ruehling’s dedication to his family parallels his devotion to his community. GN
