Yet, most of us try to avoid conflict at any cost. When it comes, it takes hours or even days to overcome those raw emotional feelings that are associated with it.
Those, type, bad feelings are hard to shake.
When a deputy sheriff stops a car for a traffic infraction or other reason, they never know how that person will react.
Sometimes the driver will become angry and deny he was speeding.
He may even become abusive and accusatory to the deputy. The legitimacy of the deputies’ birth is sometimes brought into question. Other times a person may become very emotional the other way, then tear up and begin to apologize.
Then, you may have the person that says to the deputy, “My next door neighbor’s cousin is an elected official and I’ll have your job,” or, “My uncle is a lawyer, I’ll sue you!”
These are the kind of things that happen regularly as your deputies patrol the streets of the county.
A person can disagree with a deputy and still be civil with a response.
There are instances where deputies have stopped people because of traffic violations, then, crossed paths with those people later and friendships have developed.
I encourage our deputies to be courteous, respectful and even friendly. When, they fail to act in this way, please call to talk to that deputies’ supervisor. The supervisor can review the video and audio tape of a traffic stop and take prompt action if it shows a complaint is valid. I have told the deputies that I will not tolerate disrespectful or non-courteous treatment of the people in Bradley County. I have, also, told them that I will not allow them to be treated that way, either.
The patrol deputy works 12-hour shifts and faces the same worries and woes that everyone else does. Things like their personal budget needs, and their families’ health and well being.
On top of that job security and where there careers will take them always remains on our deputies minds, especially during election time.
Our strength at the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office is that we have a lot of quality people with all kinds of personalities. We have those who are quiet and almost shy, others tend to be loud and boisterous, while some are very outgoing and very much, enjoy the interaction they have with the public. It appears that the biggest percentage of these deputies feel as I do, that law enforcement is a public service, a calling, and at the end of the day, it is a very rewarding career.
As your sheriff, I certainly appreciate, as I know you do too, all the dedicated people at the sheriff’s office. We have over 200 employees, which includes the patrol deputies, the criminal investigators, the corrections officers, the maintenance and fleet management personnel, the administrative personnel, and the command staff.
These are people, many of whom could work elsewhere making more money, that have chosen to make their careers with the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office.
I am certainly encouraged by the positive feedback I have been getting from many of you on the way the whole sheriff’s office is functioning. Your kind words are very much appreciated, and your thoughtful suggestions will be considered by my staff and me.
In the coming months we will be implementing some new programs and additions to on-going programs, as we strive to serve all of Bradley County. It is our desire to do all that we can do to make you feel safe and secure in your person and property.
I regret that I cannot always meet personally with my old and many new friends, although I think I am doing a fairly good job of it. But, we always have a supervisor or division head (Captain) than can meet with you or return your call to address your personal concerns. I meet with my supervisors and they will be glad to pass your information or concerns to me.
There has been much talk about the lack of civility in politics and government.
My friends tell me that in many other cities that they visit in America there is a lack of warmth, and that the people are unfriendly and even hostile.
Thank God Bradley County still has the reputation of being a clean, friendly community. We still greet strangers and acquaintances alike.
People moving to Bradley County are very much impressed by the beauty of this area of the country, and by the genuine, good character of our people.
Let’s continue in that direction, as we grow and work together for a better tomorrow.
