An article appearing on the front page of the Friday, January 25, 2008 edition of the Cleveland Daily Banner contains references about the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office that are misleading and in some cases inaccurate.

Appearing under the headline, "Shortfalls anticipated in several fuel budgets," it states the sheriff’s office has received a boost in its vehicle fleet despite a request that is currently pending with the county commission to increase the budget for fuel in the current fiscal year.

The article says 11 new Ford Crown Victorias have been purchased for the sheriff but fails to mention these vehicles replace 11 former Tennessee Highway Patrol vehicles with over 200,000 miles showing on the odometer.

It also references "four additional vehicles purchased by a grant from State Representative Eric Watson" as further additions to the fleet.

The four were purchased from an Ohio police department that was buying new ones and each has between 123,000 and 130,000 miles. They will be assigned to the Court Services Division when they are outfitted with emergency equipment. They also replace vehicles that are being retired because of excessive mileage.

The new and used vehicles will not increase the sheriff’s fleet, which will remain at 133 after all are placed in service. Since taking office Sheriff Tim Gobble has reduced the number of vehicles the sheriff’s office is using.

It is also stated that a new Dodge Charger is on order for the Drug Task Force, which is not part of the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office.

The article also misleads readers by stating the difference in gasoline from regular grade to premium is "15 to 20cents." The fact is the difference in price what the sheriff’s office was paying for fuel and premium is only a few cents per gallon, a cost that has improved fuel efficiency especially in older high mileage cars which can be documented.

Statements questioning funds remaining for communications and overtime are from the jail budget, not the sheriff’s budget, and the overtime used was for Tennessee Corrections Institute training which is a requirement to maintain certification.

Sheriff Gobble reiterated his commitment that he will not cut services to the citizens of Bradley County as has been suggested and invites media sources to call with any questions prior to printing such misleading or inaccurate information.