Bradley County Sheriff-elect Steve Lawson on Tuesday said he'll take office Sept. 1 with a command staff of law enforcement veterans.
In announcing his command staff, Lawson said he's bringing back Brian Smith as chief deputy. Smith served in that position for Eric Watson but resigned earlier this year citing a lack of confidence in the incumbent.
Lawson beat Watson in the May Republican primary and was elected sheriff in Thursday's balloting.
He said he early on formed a transition team of experienced people who help implement his plans for the coming years.
His top staff are law enforcement veterans, including some presently in leadership posts in the office.
"I have full confidence in their leadership abilities," Lawson said in a news release.
"They will be empowered to do their jobs, make decisions, and provide effective, common sense leadership for the members of the sheriff's office," he said. "Our goal as a team will simply be to work hard each and every day to make the sheriff's office the best it can be for every officer and employee, as well as provide the best service with integrity to the people of this county."
The department heads include:
* Brian Smith, chief deputy. Smith has 35 years in law enforcement with the Cleveland department and the sheriff's office, rising through the ranks from patrol deputy, detective and sergeant to his present rank.
* Cassandra Stone, director of finance. Stone has 14 years in the BCSO's finance office and has served as finance coordinator. She received training in business and finance at Cleveland State.
* Lewis Jones, director of administration. Jones is a 33-year law enforcement veteran with the Cleveland Police Department, the BCSO and the state of Tennessee. He holds a degree in criminal justice and multiple certifications in law enforcement and investigation techniques
* Gabe Thomas, captain of support services. Thomas headed the corrections division under Watson and is a 20-year veteran of the BCSO with training and certifications in leadership and law enforcement administration.
* Alan Walsh, captain of corrections. Walsh has spent 34 years with the sheriff's office and has extensive corrections experience.
* Bill Dyer, captain of judicial services. With 33 years at BCSO, he has risen from patrol to captain and chief deputy in past administrations. He holds a degree in criminal justice and multiple certifications and attended the FBI Academy.
* John Stone, captain of criminal investigations. Stone also is a veteran who rose through the ranks and previously served as SWAT commander. He also attended the FBI academy and holds multiple certifications.
* Jon Collins, captain of patrol. Collins has 20 year at the Bradley sheriff's office and Cleveland Police Department. He holds a degree in criminal justice, multiple certifications and attended the FBI Academy.