Chief Matt Austin of the Bristol, TN Police Department is gearing up for the annual Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion music festival that aims to celebrate Bristol’s musical heritage as the birthplace of country music. Austin says before downtown Bristol fills with music and event goers for the Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion, crews begin preparations a few days in advance, setting up barricades and other security measures. He adds there’s a lot of long hours that the officers are working to make sure to ensure the safety of event goers.