CLEVELAND, Tenn. – Brian Smith, a 32-year law enforcement veteran and a member of the Bradley County Commission, has been named as Sheriff-elect Eric Watson’s chief deputy.
On Friday, Watson introduced Smith and five other members of his command staff during a “meet and greet” event at a packed Bradley County Courthouse.
Watson cited Smith’s long career in law enforcement and his service on the Bradley County Commission as key attributes for his selection.
“Most of all – and this is very important – he has the respect of the many of the city’s police officers as well as Bradley County sheriff’s deputies and attorneys and judges in this town,” said Watson.
Smith retired from the Cleveland Policed Department in 2012, but also served with the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office early in his career. He is finishing his second term on the county commission.