PIKEVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) – News 12 is recognizing some of the bravest members of our community through the First Responders Hero Award. Whether someone is an EMT, paramedic, firefighter, or police officer, this award honors their unwavering dedication to keeping our community safe. When danger strikes, these men and women are the first to respond.
Now, it is our turn to put them first.
In partnership with Wettermark Keith, News 12 is proud to spotlight these courageous individuals. This month, the community has nominated Officer Hailey Beaty with the Pikeville Police Department.
Officer Beaty’s path into law enforcement was not a traditional one. She says her career began in healthcare before she made the switch to emergency services.
“So, I originally started healthcare, so it was a big change. And then I went into dispatch. I was a McMinn County dispatcher for a year and some change,” Beaty said. “That’s where I realized I was sick and tired of being cut off when the officer or the first responder arrived on scene. I wanted to be there. I wanted to see the difference that I was making and be able to connect to people, because there’s only so much connection that you can make over the phone.”
Today, Officer Beaty is making history in Pikeville as the city’s first certified female police officer, a milestone she carries with pride and purpose.
Originally from McMinn County, Beaty says moving to Pikeville and starting fresh was intimidating, but she knew this career was more than just a job.
“I was born and raised in McMinn County. I didn’t know anybody over here, and not knowing anyone, I was a little overwhelmed,” she said. “You have to know that you want this, because this isn’t just something you try. This is something that you’re called to do.”
One call, in particular, solidified that calling, a moment Officer Beaty says she will never forget.
She recalls responding to an apartment during a winter snowstorm, where a pregnant woman was in active labor.
“I was actually on the phone with one of our dispatchers, Toni, and we were talking about the snow when I heard her take a call,” Beaty said. “When I heard the apartment location, I knew exactly where I needed to go. I was praying my whole way there.”
When she arrived, Officer Beaty says she felt reassured she was exactly where she was meant to be.
“I knew God put me here for a reason. I wasn’t there alone. I had the best people coming to me,” she said. “Connor, the paramedic, was on his way, and I had an off-duty officer come on duty just to help.”
Moments later, the baby was born.
“I got down there and saw the baby’s head crowning,” Beaty said. “Within two minutes of me being there, the baby was born, and she took her first breath in my hands.”
Her focus immediately shifted to the safety and comfort of both mother and child.
“The umbilical cord was still attached, so I didn’t cut it. I just kept checking on her and saying, ‘Are you okay? You did a good job.’ That’s all I knew to say,” she said.
For Officer Beaty, the experience reinforced the importance of teamwork and community within emergency services.
“I do want to say thank you for welcoming me with such open arms,” she said. “I’ve created my own family here. I’m really close with my lieutenant, and we have an amazing group, whether that’s paramedics, fire, EMS, dispatch, or corrections officers.”
She says Pikeville’s first responders are always ready to answer the call.
“Call us. We’ll come. We’ll listen. We’ll do everything that we can,” Beaty said. “This community is just the best.”
Through dedication, compassion, and courage, Officer Hailey Beaty continues to make a lasting impact, proving exactly why she was nominated for the First Responders Hero Award.
