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Written by Tim Gobble, Sheriff
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Tuesday, 22 December 2009 |
Another year draws to a close and, as always, we look back and forward ~ back to where we have been and forward to where we are going. Bradley County has had a good year in many ways, including attracting new industry to the area.
Wacker Chemie, which is moving an operation to Bradley County, is a German based international company which produces a wide range of specialty silicon chemical products. Also, Volkswagen is building a new plant in Hamilton County. Not only will these two companies offer new employment opportunities for area residents, but both will attract support businesses and suppliers which will add even more job opportunities.
We have been fortunate in Bradley County in that we haven’t been hit as hard by the recession as other areas of the country. That is not to say we haven’t been impacted at all, simply that we are better positioned than some other counties. Looking ahead, I believe that by working together, our elected officials on local, state and federal levels can make a positive difference for all citizens. That is why I believe our future is bright and we will continue to see economic growth and development.
Throughout 2009, the BCSO continued to move forward with new programs, building a strong law enforcement presence and saving tax payer money. Overall crime in Bradley County remains down over what we’ve seen in the past. We are still clearing cases at a rate significantly above the national average, and average emergency response times are better than at any other time in BCSO history.
We will continue to upgrade our equipment and technology in order to not only deter crime, but to develop methods of predicting where crime is likely to occur. That type of proactive approach is vital in meeting criminal activity head on and stopping it at the source.
We are also serving warrants at a record pace, protecting 13 different courts, and successfully managing jail operations and the workhouse program.
I have worked hard to improve deputy pay so Bradley County can keep and attract highly qualified, skilled and professional deputies. This will continue into the foreseeable future.
Also, the BCSO has been able to return approximately $660,000 of budgeted money to the county’s General Fund since I have been in office by managing resources more effectively. Hopefully, this next year will be no exception. The wise and prudent use of taxpayer money has always been our goal.
The coming year will also see my final eight months as sheriff of Bradley County. This has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I can’t express my appreciation to everyone who has supported us in what we’ve tried to do. Happy New Year and God bless you all.
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