Vince Gill Named Honorary Narcotics Officer

Vince Gill received an award of sorts this week, but he didn't have to walk a red carpet and it wasn't presented to him by a celebrity. In fact, it's an honor no country star has likely ever received before now. Sheriff Joe Guy of McMinn County, Tenn. swore in the gentle country star in as an honorary narcotics officer, presenting Gill with his own McMinn Co. Sheriff's badge -- a silver badge with his name engraved on it.

Though Gill does look like he would make a pretty good sheriff, his honor came as a part of the southeast Tennessee county's increased efforts to raise awareness of drug abuse problems in the area and decrease them throughout that part of the state. The county was classified as having the most seized meth labs in Tennessee for two years in a row, though initiatives like this one have resulted in a decrease of almost 40 percent in the number of labs uncovered, according to Guy, who also says Gill is the perfect fit for their initiative.

“Vince’s outstanding character makes him a perfect celebrity candidate for this appointment,” he told Tennessee's channel 8 Volunteer TV. “His stance on drug abuse and his charity work go hand in hand.” Gill's swearing in took place recently at a benefit concert for the Chattanooga Children's Advocacy Center, where he also received a framed oath of office.

Gill is currently up for a 2012 Academy of Country Music Award for Song of the Year for his 2011 'Threaten Me With Heaven.'