Wilson County residents faced a challenging year thanks to the long-lasting impact from the March 3 tornado and the COVID-19 pandemic. Although it was a year marked by tragedy, it also brought the community together as they worked to overcome the fallout and support each other. Among the major events the county saw in 2020: Jan. 8 The Mt. Juliet Police Department announced Guardian Shield, a law enforcement program that uses fixed-place automated license plate readers (ALPRs) to catch hot-listed vehicles associated with various crimes and suspects. Those ALPRs cover approximately 24 areas throughout the city, and officials budgeted $100,000 for the programâs first year. Since it was implemented, Guardian Shield has alerted the MJPD to nearly 80 suspects, including wanted individuals and a sex offender.