Bradley County Sheriff Eric Watson hosted a seminar aimed at informing area churches and houses of worship of options available in the area of safety. The meeting, the second of its kind hosted by the sheriff within the past year, drew a crowd of some 100 pastors, workers and members who are interested in wider communication between churches in the Bradley County area on the subject of safety and protection of property and persons.
Sheriff Watson made it known at the beginning of the gathering that “there are forces at work who don’t like churches, who don’t believe you should worship.” Lieutenant James Bradford, with BCSO and a veteran of church safety in this area, echoed by urging vigilance and the practice of knowing who “comes through the church door,” while maintaining a worship atmosphere. Retired police Lieutenant Bob Hanshaw, like Bradford a church safety coordinator, laid out a number of scenarios faced by church safety volunteers in the immediate area.
Sheriff Watson, Lts.
Bradford and Hanshaw, agreed that a “network” between the churches is essential. Further training and, in some cases, starting a safety program at churches that presently have none, is next.
The sheriff said, “It’s important that our churches and houses of worship are the safe places God meant for them to be. Let’s be ready to deal with those who seek to disrupt our services.”
For more information on the church safety program, e-mail Lieutenant James Bradford at jbradford@bradleycountytn.gov.