Steve Lawson, who leads the criminal investigative division of the Bradley County Sheriff's Office, said he is running for sheriff in 2010.

He said, “The first priority of government is to provide for the safety and security of our citizens. I am committed to providing the leadership for the most effective and efficient sheriff's department possible for every member of our community and its guests. I have the experience, training and desire to accomplish this objective. I ask today for your help, advice and prayers in this endeavor. Working together we can be successful.

“I have the temperament necessary to ensure fair and equal treatment for all persons, both for the citizens we serve, and for the employees of the department who serve us all.

“I am a proud, lifelong resident of Bradley County, and a 1976 graduate of Bradley Central High School. After graduation I had the good fortune to join the administration of my father, Sheriff Lamar Lawson. I began my law enforcement career as a dispatcher. I was soon assigned to the patrol division where I worked twelve-hour days, six days a week. I look back on those early years of my career with great pride, knowing those were the years that helped shape my character and deepen my respect for the dedicated men and women who have enforced the law in our community.

“I spent the next 12 years with the Bradley County Sheriff's Office, working for four different sheriffs of both political parties, and I worked my way up through the ranks of both the patrol and criminal investigation divisions. I underwent extensive training in all aspects of patrol procedure, as well as in many areas of specialized investigation techniques. I rose to the rank of captain of both the patrol division and criminal investigations division before leaving the sheriff's office and entering the private sector in 1988.

“Several years in the private sector as an employee of Bowater Southern Newsprint gave me a perspective I might not have had otherwise. As a private citizen I maintained a strong interest in the quality of law enforcement in our community, and I listened carefully to the opinions of others in the private sector. When I chose to re-enter the law enforcement profession in 2006 as the captain of criminal investigations for the sheriff's office, I brought the life-experience and management training I gained as a private sector employee with me. I believe this has made me a much better public servant.

“During the past three years, the criminal investigations division, while working closely with the patrol division and other agencies, has continued to reduce property crime in Bradley County. The department's clearance rate for all crimes is approaching an astounding 50 percent. This is a clearance rate that ranks as one of the best in the state. Professional, well-trained detectives and others realize this kind of success when given the proper leadership and resources that help them to do their job effectively. We are truly blessed by having some of the most highly qualified and dedicated individuals serving us at this time.”

A graduate of both the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy in Donelson and the Cleveland State Community College Law Enforcement Training Academy, he attended numerous classes at Cleveland State Community College and his community activities have included membership in the Masonic Lodge No. 484 and the Charleston Ruritan Club. He serves as a member of the United States Attorney's Anti-Terrorism Advisory Council for Eastern Tennessee.

The candidate said, “Family is a very important aspect of my life. I am married to Connie Baugh Lawson, and the proud father of Stephen, Dustin, and Chase Lawson. We attend the Durkee Road Church of God of Prophecy.

“We live in a time when we cannot afford to pass up an opportunity to elect the truly best person for every local political office. My first and foremost loyalty will always be to the people of Bradley County - all of the people of Bradley County. I will strive each and every day to be the very best sheriff I can be. This is my solemn promise to you. I believe, working together, we can achieve even higher levels of service and efficiency. I believe by listening closely to your concerns, we can work together to benefit this community as a whole.”