Tennessee Firefighter Charged With Impersonating Law Enforcement

Posted by: Curt Varone 1 day ago 0

A Tennessee firefighter is facing criminal charges that he used emergency lights and flashed his badge during a road rage incident several weeks ago. Henry Riegger, 22, has been charged by the Cocke County Sheriff’s Office with criminal impersonation, reckless driving, and violation of emergency light law.

The incident occurred on December 22, 2024, and left another driver, Lauren Mellichamp, “terrified.” Riegger apparently had a connection to two separate fire departments, the Parrottsville Volunteer Fire Department and the Centerview Volunteer Fire Department. However, neither indicated that he was authorized by them to use the emergency lights at the time of the incident.

Law enforcement is investigating reports that this was not the only time Riegger used his emergency lights inappropriately.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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