Bradley County's legislative delegation presented the United States and state of Tennessee flags to Sheriff Jim Ruth to be displayed at the Judicial Center and to Angela Lawson, principal of Blue Springs Elementary School.

Taking part in the flag presentation are State Rep. Eric Watson, State Rep. Mike Bell, Deputy Kester Calfee, Sheriff Jim Ruth, State Rep. Kevin Brooks and State Sen. Dewayne Bunch

State Rep. Eric Watson (left) presented flags to Blue Springs Elementary School principal Angela Lawson. Accepting the flags were students Alex Johnson and Jacob Stowe. Standing behind then are Watson, School Resource Officer Shaun McKee, Lawson, and Sheriff Jim Ruth

The continuing investigation of a robbery at Preferred Family Pharmacy in Charleston landed two men in jail Wednesday charged with taking prescription pills Oxycodone and Endocet.

Wednesday morning while driving by Daybreak Suites on Keith Street a detective in the Criminal Investigations Division of the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office happened to catch sight of a vehicle that appeared to be the same make, model and color of the one used in the robbery.

Further investigation identified the man who wore a mask and entered the pharmacy at closing on Saturday, September 4 as 25-year-old Justin Thomas Lafuze of Second Street and his accomplice as 28-year-old Aaron Thomas Hensley of Carriage Lane. Both men are being held in the Bradley County jail charged with robbery.

Investigation of the robbery revealed Lafuze told two employees that he had a weapon but the employees never saw one. After several bottles of prescription medication were placed into a small basket the suspect fled to a vehicle driven by Hensley.

The BCSO received several calls in response to a press release asking the public for help identifying the two men caught on surveillance video. Capt. Brian Quinn said they checked out those leads but none were helpful identifying the suspects.

Quinn said, "I want to thank the media and those who took the time to call for their assistance in trying to solve this case."

Justin Thomas Lafuze

Aaron Thomas Hensley

Sheriff Jim Ruth, left, congratulates McCollum on his promotion. He will be working in the Training and Support Services Division of Capt. Jim Hodgson (right).

In his announcement Sheriff Ruth said there were several excellent applicants for the position. Ruth said the field was narrowed to two and McCollum was chosen based on seniority and his excellent qualifications.

McCollum is a graduate of Cleveland High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Tennessee Technological University and a Masters Degree in Education and Supervision from the University of Tennessee.

McCollum started his law enforcement career in 1985 as a corrections officer in the Bradley County jail. In 1988, he joined the Charleston Police Department as a patrol officer, and the following year completed basic law enforcement training at the Chattanooga Police Department Academy.

Early in his career McCollum realized the importance of training in the law enforcement profession. He organized the first training unit in the Charleston Police Department and provided annual in-service classes for his fellow officers. During this time he also taught classes at the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office and the Cleveland Police Department.

In September 1997 McCollum returned to the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office in the patrol division and later was chosen as a Field Training Officer where he shared his training and experience with deputies just entering the profession.

McCollum was assigned to the Judicial Services Division in 2004 and the past two years he served as Court Liaison Officer. In this position he had sole responsibility for reviewing paperwork for Bradley County Sheriff’s Office court cases and filing final disposition reports with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

In the new role he is assuming McCollum will work alongside Lt. Eddie Scoggins to plan and coordinate in service training topics for the office’s certified law enforcement personnel.

McCollum completed the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Firearms Instructor Program and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Firearms Instructor School in 1988 and the National Rifle Association Police Firearms Instructor School in 1989. During his career he has been involved in firearms training for hundreds of officers representing many law enforcement agencies.

McCollum also instructs classes on self defense techniques for women.

McCollum has completed Northwestern University’s Deadly Force and Police Officer Legal Issues training, the 40 hour Semi automatic Pistol Instructor Course, the Tactical Advantages and Consulting in Chemical Weapons Course, the Tennessee Warrant Officers Association Civil Process School, the P.O.S.T. Commission Courtroom Security School, and the New Mexico Tech Incident Response to Terrorist Bombing Training Course.

McCollum has received law enforcement awards from the Cleveland Optimist Club and Flint Springs Ruritan Club, and was recognized by the Area Law Enforcement Trainers Association as Trainer of the Year in 1993-94. He received Certificates of Appreciation for his service to the Charleston Police Department and for invaluable service rendered during the Charleston flood emergency of 1994. He has been recognized by the 10th Judicial Task Force for outstanding service to the judicial system and the 9-1-1 Communications Center.

Ruth said McCollum will begin his new duties on Sept. 27.

From the state Department of Transportation website:

September 14, 2010

Nashville, Tenn. – Governor Phil Bredesen and Tennessee Department of Transportation Commissioner Gerald Nicely today announced that Bradley County has been awarded a highway safety grant of $5,000 for the Bradley County Sheriff's Department to support high visibility law enforcement efforts.

The Governor’s Highway Safety Office (GHSO) mission is to save lives and reduce injuries on Tennessee roadways through leadership, innovation, coordination, and program support in partnership with other public and private organizations. The grant awarded will be used to promote this mission.

"These highway safety grants reflect a continued commitment to working with local and state agencies to make our roadways safer," said Bredesen. "These grant funds will support the efforts of highway safety agencies and advocates to reduce the number of people killed and injured in traffic crashes in Tennessee each year."

The grants are awarded to agencies that successfully applied for funding based on a defined problem and statistical need. Each year, the GHSO accepts applications from agencies across the state for available highway safety funds. Applications are reviewed and scored by the GHSO and external highway safety advocates. The agencies that meet the criteria for funding received awards.

"These grants help fund a variety of enforcement, legal and educational activities across the state including speed enforcement, first responder equipment purchases, DUI prosecutors and child passenger safety training," said Nicely. "These grants will make a difference in the effectiveness of our highway safety partners."

There are several elements that contribute to a sound and safe roadway system. Some of those aspects are an accurate traffic safety data collection and analysis system; well-trained and equipped law enforcement personnel; and effective emergency medical and trauma systems. A major part of roadway safety is educating motorists about laws and good driving behaviors.

"Grants awarded by the GHSO are provided in areas of need," reported GHSO Director Kendell Poole. "Statistics show our problem areas and we strive to put the funding where it will be most effective. We are dedicated to saving lives across Tennessee and pledge to work with grantees statewide to accomplish our mission."

Senator Dewayne Bunch and Representatives Kevin Brooks and Eric Watson worked to secure these funds for the Bradley County Sheriff's Department.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides the funding for GHSO grants.