Local gun range urged for Bradley deputies

CLEVELAND, Tenn. - A Bradley County commissioner wants to know why county sheriff's deputies can't use the Cleveland Police Department's shooting range.

Commissioner Jim Smith's question came up at a County Commission meeting while an officer was discussing another request, a rappelling wall for SWAT training.

Lt. John Stone agreed that a closer firing range is needed. Right now, deputies practice at the U.S. Forest Service's range in Polk County, about an hour's drive away.

The city's firing range is on Cleveland Utilities property at the wastewater treatment plant near the Hiwassee River.

Cleveland Police Department spokeswoman Officer Evie West said last week that the police department can't permit another agency to use the range because of liability issues.

"We are the guests of Cleveland Utilities," Officer West said.

The county would need to ask the utility or city government for permission, she said.

Lt. Stone said he has been looking for nearly a year for a way to install a rappelling tower on the Bradley County Justice Center grounds. The SWAT team gets calls for help from the surrounding area as well as within the county, he said, and the rappelling training would help them be prepared.

Commissioner Howard Thompson recalled there was discussion recently about some day building a workhouse on the justice center property, too.

"We need some kind of land-use plan,'' he said.

Still to be looked into, said Lt. Stone, are any city zoning issues or setback requirements that may be needed for the tower.

Lt. Stone said he believes a tower can be built with labor donated by the Tennessee National Guard and materials from local companies.

Upcoming Events