CRAZY : Pigeon Forge police responded to over 2300 calls, made 87 again arrests as the rod………..
PFPD said officers, along with the Blount County Sheriff’s Office and Tennessee Highway Patrol, responded to 1,151 calls from Thursday to Sunday The Pigeon Forge Police Department (PFPD) had a busy weekend during the Rod Run, an annual car event that draws thousands of visitors to the city. From Thursday to Sunday, the department responded to an overwhelming 1,151 calls. The department, working in coordination with the Blount County Sheriff’s Office and the Tennessee Highway Patrol, managed the influx of tourists and event-goers while addressing a variety of public safety concerns. During this period, officers made 36 arrests and handled numerous incidents related to the high volume of people and vehicles in the area.The Rod Run EventRod Run is a semi-annual car show held in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, attracting classic car enthusiasts from across the country. The event is known for its vibrant atmosphere, where car owners showcase their meticulously restored and customized vehicles. Attendees come to admire these unique automobiles, engage in car-related conversations, and participate in various car competitions. While the event is a major attraction for car lovers, it also brings about logistical and safety challenges due to the sheer number of participants and spectators.Each year, as thousands flock to the small town, the local infrastructure is stretched to its limits. Traffic often becomes congested, and the sheer volume of people creates potential safety concerns. PFPD, along with local and state law enforcement agencies, plans extensively for these events to ensure the safety of both participants and residents.Managing Public SafetyWith the influx of visitors comes an increased potential for incidents ranging from traffic violations to more serious offenses. Law enforcement agencies, including the Pigeon Forge Police Department, are tasked with maintaining order during the Rod Run, which often involves crowd control, traffic management, and responding to emergencies.Over the four-day period, officers had to manage a multitude of situations, including traffic accidents, disturbances, and public intoxication. According to PFPD, many of the arrests were related to driving under the influence (DUI), disorderly conduct, and drug-related offenses. Additionally, officers were on the lookout for reckless driving and street racing, which are common issues during car shows.Traffic and CongestionOne of the most significant challenges during the Rod Run is traffic congestion. The influx of vehicles—many of them large, classic cars—slows down the flow of traffic through Pigeon Forge’s main streets. The PFPD, in cooperation with the Tennessee Highway Patrol, set up traffic control points and directed vehicles to designated parking areas to help alleviate some of the congestion.Despite these efforts, traffic jams are an almost inevitable part of the event, and many visitors were stuck in long lines of cars. Law enforcement officers also had to monitor traffic for safety violations, such as illegal parking, speeding, and reckless driving. These behaviors not only create hazards for drivers and pedestrians but also disrupt the flow of traffic through the small town.In previous years, there have been reports of drag racing and street racing, with some attendees taking advantage of the congested streets to engage in dangerous behavior. In response, law enforcement has ramped up efforts to curb this kind of activity by increasing patrols and setting up DUI checkpoints.Arrests and EnforcementOf the 36 arrests made during the event, many were for DUIs and drug-related offenses. Alcohol and recreational drug use can be prevalent at large public events, and the Rod Run is no exception. The PFPD, alongside other law enforcement agencies, took a proactive approach to curbing intoxicated driving, which included setting up sobriety checkpoints around the event area.Public intoxication and disorderly conduct were also common issues. With large crowds and alcohol consumption, tensions can sometimes run high, resulting in fights or disruptive behavior. Officers were quick to intervene in these situations to prevent them from escalating into larger incidents.Collaboration Between AgenciesThe successful management of the Rod Run requires close coordination between multiple law enforcement agencies. PFPD officers were assisted by the Blount County Sheriff’s Office and the Tennessee Highway Patrol, both of which provided additional resources and personnel to help manage the large crowds and traffic issues. This collaboration ensured that there were enough officers on the ground to respond to the high volume of calls and incidents.The use of joint task forces allowed the different agencies to pool their resources and expertise, which was crucial in addressing the many challenges presented by the event. By working together, they were able to maintain order and ensure that both the event and the surrounding community remained safe.Looking ForwardWhile the Rod Run is undoubtedly a beloved event for car enthusiasts, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of public safety and law enforcement’s role in ensuring that large gatherings are managed effectively. The 2024 Rod Run saw an increase in both attendees and incidents compared to previous years, but thanks to the efforts of the Pigeon Forge Police Department and its partners, the event was handled with professionalism and care.As the event continues to grow in popularity, it’s likely that law enforcement agencies will continue to adapt their strategies to handle the challenges that come with such a large influx of visitors. Future events will likely involve even more coordination between local and state agencies, as well as increased efforts to manage traffic and prevent unsafe behaviors.For the local community, the Rod Run brings economic benefits, but it also puts pressure on public services and infrastructure. With continued planning and coordination, Pigeon Forge can ensure that the event remains both enjoyable for participants and safe for everyone involved.
