The Tennessee Constable’s Association has honored Bradley County Sheriff Tim Gobble as its “Sheriff of the Year,” in recognition of his professionalism and career in law enforcement.
Receiving a plaque from Bradley County Constable Ira Cox, Sheriff Gobble said he is “honored to receive this prestigious award” and will proudly display it in his office.
Mr. Cox is active in the Tennessee Sheriff’s Association and made the presentation on behalf of the 400 men and women who serve as constables across the state.
Sheriff Gobble said, “I appreciate the Tennessee Constable’s Association and each of those who serve in this important role for what they mean to law enforcement. They provide community-based law enforcement while they are able to assist sheriff’s offices and police departments around this state.”
In Tennessee, constables are prescribed in the state constitution as a part of the Tennessee Judicial System. They are sworn and bonded peace officers with arrest powers and have a duty to keep the peace and enforce laws of the state and counties.
Constables are among the earliest recorded police officers in world history, and once were the only law enforcement officers with the power to arrest sheriffs.
Sheriff Gobble said, “Locally, we work very closely with our constables as they assist us in our law enforcement role and serving court papers. We have a good working relationship with each of Bradley County’s seven constables and we appreciate the work they do on behalf of the citizens we serve.”
Sheriff Gobble started his law enforcement career at the Cleveland Police Department in the patrol division. He served as a special agent for the U.S. Secret Service for over 15 years.
The constable’s association recognizes one of the state’s 95 sheriffs each year. Mr. Cox said in his memory Mr. Gobble is the first from east Tennessee to be bestowed the honor of Sheriff of the Year.
Sheriff Gobble said he is an advocate of constables and the association, and he looks forward to continuing their positive relationship in the future.