LINDEN, TN - The Mayor of Perry County has formally requested activation of the Tennessee National Guard to respond to the community following this weekend's devastating winter storm. In a very direct communication to the state, Mayor Carroll urges immediate action to help save lives. 

The move comes as Mayor Carroll, along with Sheriff Nick Weems and other county leaders, have been working around the clock to manage the unfolding crisis. "We are not stopping with just this request" Mayor Carroll told WOPC. "We have been working nonstop to activate additional resources from the state and some nearby communities" Carroll adds. "We are accepting offers to help, and coordinating those efforts as a team" the Mayor told WOPC Wednesday. 

 

WOPC obtained a copy of the letter: 

 

Immediate Emergency Request – Activation of National Guard Armory and Personnel for Perry County Relief Operations

 

To: Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA)

 

From: Office of the Mayor, Perry County, Tennessee

 

Date: 01/27/2026

 

Dear Director and TEMA Leadership,
 

On behalf of Perry County, I am issuing an urgent emergency request for the immediate activation and use of the Perry County National Guard Armory and deployment of National Guard personnel to support emergency relief operations following the catastrophic winter ice storm impacting our county.

 

Perry County has suffered total and widespread devastation. Thousands of residents remain without power and heat, with infrastructure damage, impassable roads, and utility failures severely limiting emergency access. A significant portion of our population is elderly, medically vulnerable, and isolated, creating an immediate life-safety crisis.

 

Local resources are fully overwhelmed. At this time, Perry County does not have the capacity to provide:

 

• Adequate warming shelters

 

• Food and water distribution

 

• Emergency transport and rescue operations

 

•Wellness checks on isolated residents

 

•Power Generation and Power Generation Equipment 

 

• Logistical operations at scale

 

We formally request:

 

1. Authorization and activation of the Perry County National Guard Armory as a centralized warming, feeding, shelter, and emergency operations center

 

2. Deployment of National Guard Soldiers to assist with:

 

• Welfare checks and rescue operations

 

• Transportation of vulnerable residents

 

• Food and supply distribution

 

• Medical access support

 

• Infrastructure clearing and access routes

 

• Power Generation Mechanics and Power Generation Equipment 

 

3. State logistical and operational support through TEMA coordination

 

This is an active humanitarian emergency with immediate risk to life. The prolonged loss of heat and power in freezing conditions presents an extreme danger, particularly for elderly residents and those with medical dependencies.

 

We need all available assistance to protect our citizens and stabilize this situation. Time is critical, and rapid mobilization is essential to prevent further harm.

 

Thank you for your immediate action and partnership in this emergency response.

 

Respectfully,

John Carroll

Mayor of Perry County Tennessee