Well, I’ve passed my one-year mark as Sheriff of Bradley County and I must say, it’s been a pleasure serving you all. We’ve faced some tough challenges, but overall we’ve seen a lot of improvements in this office and I feel we’ve laid down a firm foundation upon which to build for the future.

But one of my greatest pleasures this first year has been having the opportunity to personally meet so many Bradley County citizens. I’ve said it before but it bears repeating ~ we have some of the greatest folks on earth living right here in Cleveland/Bradley. This community has supported the BCSO in a big way and I think it’s only fair the BCSO give something back.

That’s why we’ve decided to invite you all to the first Sheriff’s Family Day which will be held on Sat. October 13, from 12:00 noon until 5:00 p.m. at Stuart School (Keith & 20th - Click for Map ). This will be a time when everyone can turn out and enjoy a day of family-friendly activities and entertainment, courtesy of the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office.

Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and plan on enjoying plenty of free food, live entertainment, fun for the kids, door prizes and a whole lot more. And no taxpayer money will be spent on this event, thanks to the efforts of volunteers and sponsors who are donating their time, services, food and merchandise.

This Family Day is still evolving, but at this time we have arranged for air toys for the kids, the moonwalk, face painting, horseback rides and give-aways. There will be various contests that will test the skills of young and old alike, a kissing booth, live music and stage performances, the TWRA diorama and a whole lot more. We’ve also gotten some of our local vendors and artisans to donate wares and products to be given away as door prizes. Folks, I’ve seen some of these door prizes and believe me, they’re nice.

This is going to be a lot of fun and you definitely don’t want to miss it. Even the food’s going to be fun. We’ll have hamburglars, law dogs, perp corn, snow cons, legal drinks and other such goodies. And, friends, we’re offering it all to you free of charge, thanks to the generosity of our friends and sponsors.

We’re also inviting all you musicians to bring your instruments. I’ve been told our music people are planning on having a big on-stage jam session ~ a hullabaloo ~ and everyone who plays an instrument will be welcome to take part. If you so desire, you can also break off into small groups of shade tree pickers and make your own music. Shade tree pickers are a popular tradition at blue grass festivals and we hope to see them continue that tradition at the Sheriff’s Family Day.

We’re going to roll out the BCSO fleet, too ~ the Command Center, our new 100th Anniversary Harley Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Classic and some of our newly made-over patrol cars. We’ll even bring out the APC we received free from the federal government so you can judge for yourselves if it qualifies as a “tank.”

One last thing ... it’s not a requirement, of course, but I think it would be a nice gesture if everyone who attends would bring a non-perishable food item which we can turn over to Southern Heritage for their food bank (don’t bring anything in glass containers or anything that can break). Since everyone attending the Sheriff’s Family Day will be eating for free, the least we can do is remember those less fortunate who may be struggling, right? Right. So, if you can, bring some canned goods or non-perishable items with you when you come.

Meanwhile, check in regularly to the BCSO website. It’s the best way I know of to keep up with everything that’s going on at the Sheriff’s Office. You are also welcome to email me your comments, observation, suggestions and/or complaints at: comments@bradleysheriff.com ~ I always enjoy hearing from you and I’m interested in what’s on your mind. And don’t forget to mark your calendar for the Sheriff’s Family Day.