Law enforcement officers from around the region gathered to honor former Washington County Sheriff and Johnson City Police Chief Fred Phillips this morning at National Cemetery, Mountain Home, joining Phillips' family at his burial service.

Phillips died Thursday at age 72.

Dozens of Johnson City and Washington County officers and other officials were on hand at the service, alongside Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers. Phillips was the state's Department of Safety commissioner from 2002-05.

Pictured embracing (at left) are current Washington County Sheriff Ed Graybeal and retired Johnson City Police Chief John Lowry, both of whom rose through the ranks under Philips' leadership. (Photo by Ron Campbell/Johnson City Press)