2000 ~ Honored Police Officer
Metro Detective Frank Pierce

A veteran member of the Metro Nashville Police Force, Frank H.Pierce was recognized at the third annual Theodore Roosevelt Association Police Award for Nashville and Middle Tennessee.

Detective Pierce joined the Metropolitian Nashville Police Department in 1969. For more than 20 years, he has been a valued member of the homicide unit.

In December, 1993, Detective Pierce was diagnosed with cancer on the left tonsil and the tongue. He underwent radiation therapy twice a day for seven weeks, continuing to work until the side effects forced him to take a sick leave. Surgery followed in the spring, when a tube was inserted into his stomach..

Detective Pierce could have retired on full medical disability. Instead, he returned to his desk in August, 1994, continuing at the task that he had performed with tenacity for many years. He carries a full workload and has been the primary investigator on several high-profile cases.

This year's awards luncheon took place, June 8th, at the Cabin By The Spring, The Hermitage. Special guests included Mr. Mark Ames, a great-grandson of President Theodore Roosevelt and a trustee of the Theodore Roosevelt Association.

Previous recipients of this honor are Sergeant Phillip Sage (1998) and Detective Clifford Mann (1999).

Some ten other cities around the nation have Theodore Roosevelt Association Police Awards. They are given to officers who have rendered outstanding and praiseworthy services to the department and the community despite a serous handicap, illness, or injury. Theodore Roosevelt himself overcame serious illness in childhood to lead a vigorous life of public service. From 1895-97 he was President of the Board of Police Commissioners of the City of New York.

1999 ~Honored Police Officer
Detective Clifford Mann

Detective Mann joined the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department eighteen years ago, and worked with the homicide division over the last seven years. He works the evening shift from 3:30 p.m. to 12 midnight.

But in November, 1994, Detective Mann was stricken with end-stage renal failure. Diagnostic imaging showed a tumor on his right kidney, and the organ was removed. He spent a month in the hospital on dialysis.

On the day after he first entered the hospital, a disability caseworker from the city appeared at his bedside to start the process for filing for a pension. Detective Mann said "no", and his physician delayed the paperwork.

In January, 1995, he returned to the hospital to prepare for chemotherapy and radiation, but suffered an intense reaction to the catheter that was meant to remove the to remove the chemicals from his body. On February 10, 1995, he was rushed back to the hospital and placed on life support. While there he lapsed into a semi-comatose state. More surgery and dialysis treatment followed, before the officer was released from the hospital in late March.

Detective Mann returned to work on May 5, 1995, and has maintained a full workload since. Although lacking a major organ, which poses a daily threat to his life, he often works hours beyond his regular shift.

According to Lieutenant Tommy McBride, a fellow officer in the division, "Detective Mann has never asked for any favors due to his illness, nor does he ever call in sick. It is apparently not in his nature to give up or quit."

Detective Mann continues to receive dialysis treatment three days a week from 5:30-11 a.m. His follows a rigorous program of diet, exercise, and medication-which includes 35 pills a day!

In addition to standing in Theodore Roosevelt's tradition of exemplary police work, Detective Mann also contributes time to good civic causes. He on the advisory board of the Minority Organ Tissue Transplant Education. He has also counseled with patients who have endured the same wrenching illness, helping and encouraging those who are able to return to active lives and productive jobs.

In his professional capacity, he talks to citizens about how to prevent crime. Detective Mann "has been an inspiration to those who work with him," writes a fellow officer. "He is a good example of someone who cares about the safety of his community and tries to make a difference every day."

The Theodore Roosevelt Association and its Tennessee chapter welcome to our luncheon members of the Mann family who join us to honor their kinsman. The detective's twin brother, Claude, serves as a Metro patrolman assigned to the central sector. John Mann (my "baby brother," Detective Mann calls him) serves with the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Brother Clayton is a counselor at Corrections Corporation of America. Sister Charlotte is a probation officer, while sister Vitress is retired from the United States Army. Detective Mann's daughter, Romondia, works for radio station WQQK in Nashville. He is the proud grandfather of 14-month-old Jeremiah.

Born in Brownsville, Tennessee, on November 18, 1956, Clifford Mann is the son of James and Lollie Mann. He attended local elementary schools and graduated from Haywood County High School. His baccalaureate degree is from Tennessee State University, and he currently has more than 30 hours toward a master's degree in criminal justice.

The award luncheon takes place at The Hermitage on Tuesday, June 1, at 12 noon. The Graylyn Brass Quintet will add to the festive atmosphere. The '99 award received grant support from the Ansley Fund of the Frist Foundation and matching funds from the Tennessee Chapter of the Theodore Roosevelt Association.

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The Tennessee Chapter of the Theodore Roosevelt Association enjoys an active membership which supports two annual activities as well as other events or opportunities related to TR!

~ Police Award ~
The chapter matched a grant from the Ansley Fund of the Frist Foundation in order to present the 1999 Police Award for Nashville and Middle Tennessee to Detective Clifford Mann.