By Sheriff Jim Ruth

Singer, song writer Tom T. Hall wrote a song about being locked up in a small county jail for a traffic violation. He wrote of the sheriff’s wife frying bologna for the prisoners. After some time in the jailhouse the bologna tasted better and the cook was getting prettier.

This is a depiction of some jails in the smaller counties of Tennessee a few short years ago. In some counties the sheriff and his family had living quarters at the jail.

Of course the rules have radically changed in the operation of jails and prisons. Our corrections officers now have to be trained and certified by the Tennessee Corrections Institute. They, also, must have 40 hours of in-service training every year in order to maintain their certification. Part of that training is done by TCI and part by our own training division.

From left - Sgt. Jerry Rogers, Deputy Sam Long, and Sheriff Jim Ruth Click on the image for a larger view..

For more on these awards see the headline "Deputies Rescue Teen From Flooded Creek."

Bradley County Sheriff Jim Ruth has recognized the heroic actions of two patrol deputies for their response to a situation this past weekend that likely saved a young life.

Sgt. Jerry Rogers and Deputy Sam Long received the prestigious Life Saving Award Thursday morning.

The two deputies waded into rain-swollen Candies Creek on Sunday after seeing a boy trying to cross the swift current on roller skates. When Long reached the boy he was hanging onto a tree limb to keep from being swept downstream. Long said the water on him was over waist deep and just after he grabbed the 13 year old the limb he was clinging to broke. Both deputies helped the boy to safety.

He was checked by medical personnel and found to have no injuries.

In his report Sgt. Rogers wrote that he had no doubt that if Long had not reached the boy when he did he would have drowned.

In presenting the deputies their certificates and uniform ribbons Ruth said he is proud of both and is honored to recognize them for putting their own lives at risk.

Both deputies said the current was swift following several inches of rain in the preceding 24 to 48 hours. Both also agreed the water was extremely cold.

Click the image for a larger view.

Satchel Cole, a kindergarten student at Taylor Elementary School, was recently named "Sheriff for a Day" at the school.  He is pictured with Sheriff Jim Ruth and School Resource Officer Shaun McKee during a visit at the Jusicial Center.

By Sheriff Jim Ruth

At your Sheriff’s Office we are constantly evaluating the possibilities of threats to the peace and safety of all of Bradley County. This is done informally 24 / 7 by our patrol deputies as they cruise the streets and roads in everyday patrol activities.

This evaluation takes place in our corrections division as each correction officer / deputy makes his or her rounds and carries out daily duties. Then, as the criminal investigators study a crime scene or review their many assigned cases they too are informally evaluating ways to keep the peace and safety in their area of responsibility.

Often good ideas are shared with supervisors and others who bring them to me. Also, at work are the senior staff members who hash out our policy and procedures. They, also, help me see that things are carried forward.