Bradley sheriff welcomes new officers after restructuring

Eric Watson
Eric Watson
photo Eric Watson

CLEVELAND, Tenn. -- The Bradley County Sheriff's Office officially welcomed 21 officers to its ranks in an afternoon ceremony on Friday.

"We have a top-grade staff of brand-new officers to fulfill the needs of this county," Sheriff Eric Watson said at the event. "I'm proud of each one of you."

Many of the new officers have experience in agencies across the state and will be filling 18 new positions that were created last fall after a major restructuring of administrative and supervisor positions, Watson said.

He said the restructuring reduced those positions by nearly half -- from 59 to 34 -- and made $893,000 available for additional officers.

The reduction in administrative and supervisory staff was achieved by combining some positions and eliminating vacant positions, said Arnold Botts, director of administration.

Eleven deputies completed the police officer training program, which is "geared towards our patrolmen," said Lt. Douglas Towne, a training officer.

He said that training encompasses vehicle operations, conflict operations, use of force and cultural diversity.

"I love working at the sheriff's office," said new deputy Jamie Harris, who served as a reserve officer between 1991 and 2002 and then worked with the Athens Police Department. "I just wanted to come back home and serve my community."

Ten deputies successfully completed the field training officer program and will join the corrections and judicial services department.

"Corrections is a hard job," said Capt. Gabe Thomas, head of corrections. "You are in there with the inmates. You don't just drop them off and leave."

One of the new corrections officers is Daniel Thomas, who served 23 years in the military and will now work under his younger brother.

"I want to give back to the community with some kind of service," Thomas said.

Botts acknowledged the hard work all the officers undertook to receive their training certifications.

"This is something I'm very pleased to be a part of," he told the new officers. "I've walked this road with you, and I know what you've sacrificed to get where you are today."

Four things have to happen for any agency to achieve its best professional standards, Botts said, citing the provision of model behavior, training, equipment and vision.

"You have to choose competent men and women who share the same vision that this is not a job, it's a profession, even a ministry," he said.

Paul Leach is based in Cleveland. Email him at paul.leach.press@gmail.com.

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