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BradleySheriff.com
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BCSO COMMENDATION |
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Thursday, 08 April 2010 |
The Bradley County Commission commended the Sheriff’s Office this past week “for exceptional service” to the community. The BCSO has seen steady improvements in crime fighting techniques, technology, improved resources management and public access over the past few years, and I am pleased whenever the efforts of our deputies and support staff are acknowledged in this manner.
I was particularly pleased with that section of the commendation which read, “Whereas, the men and women of the Bradley County Sheriff’s Department take extraordinary risks to protect the lives and property of Bradley County citizens …”
That is not an overstatement. I have worked with many dedicated law enforcement and public service professionals during my career, and I place the men and women who wear the BCSO badge up there with the best. It is a pleasure to work with them and a pleasure to know them both professionally and personally.
I am proud of the manner in which they carry out their duties, regardless of personal risk. I see it every day. I have always thought of public service in general (and law enforcement in particular) as a calling, not suited to just anybody. Although many young people are attracted to the idea of law enforcement, the reality of it often drives them to other career choices.
The pressure, the uncertainty and even the politics of wearing the badge is much different than what we see on television. Deputies routinely experience the best and worst in people during the course of their shifts. They endure the anger of motorists who have been ticketed, the scorn of criminals, the derision of intoxicated troublemakers, the frustration of dealing with domestic disturbances, the heartbreak of child abuse and other situations most citizens never have to think about, let alone be witness to.
On the other hand, I don’t think there is any greater satisfaction for a deputy than helping put a drug dealer behind bars, returning stolen property to a victim of crime, influencing a young person to follow a productive, law-abiding lifestyle, saving a life or just generally knowing they have made a positive difference in their community.
Law enforcement and other public safety agencies are integral to the well-being of any community and we are blessed here in Bradley County to have the best and brightest. I am grateful to the County Commission for bringing the good work of BCSO deputies and support staff to the attention of the public. It is an honor well-deserved.
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