Smith County Constable Honored

TYLER – Smith County Constable Andy Dunklin has been presented the with the “Excellence in Action Award.” The presentation came at Tuesday’s Smith County Commissioners’ court session. The award stemmed from quick action, spearheaded by Dunklin, in finding a missing four year old girl earlier this month. The youngster had wandered away from her grandmother’s home on Lake Placid. Lilly-Anne was found over half a mile away, safe and unharmed.

Patricia Matthews she knew something was wrong when she could no longer hear her granddaughter playing outside with the neighbors’ dog. With deep woods all around the home, Mrs. Matthews began to panic. After the 911 call, Dunklin arrived within five minutes. As he was looking through the house he called for backup. Multiple agencies, including the Noonday Fire Department, Smith County Sheriff’s Office and a K-9 unit came to the house. According to the grandmother, “his take charge, yet gentle manner, towards me will never be forgotten. The quick and timely manner in her being found was simply amazing.”