Right to Left, back row, are Craig Hamilton, Jeff Yarber, Stacy Smith, Steve Crump, Dan Gilley and Bob Johnson. Right to left, front row, are Gary Sears, Steve Lawson and Amanda Lee.
Bradley County Sheriff-Elect Steve Lawson has convened a transition team and tasked them with assisting him in preparation to take over the Department in September. The group comprised of law enforcement leaders from around the area met for the first time to discuss Sheriff-Elect Lawson’s goals for the group.
Sheriff-Elect Lawson, stated his purpose for the group was “Preparing to lead day on one”. The group was charged with providing honest feedback, advice, and direction for the recently elected Lawson. He will face no opposition on Aug.
2 as the Republican Nominee for Bradley County Sheriff.
Each member was selected by Sheriff-Elect Lawson, who said he will rely on their recommendations concerning top staffing choices, policy, and budget issues.
He expressed his appreciation to the group for serving, and welcomed their expertise, while at the same time explaining “the final decision rests with me.
"The step of implementing a transition team was not meant only to plan and prepare for the future administration. I also hope this move further solidifies the commitment I made to the citizens of Bradley County during the campaign. I am eager to bring stability to the Bradley County Sheriff’s office. I can think of no better way to begin that process, than by working with this group of highly qualified individuals to lay out our plans for the future.”
The mission statement will be "Partnering with community and law enforcement leaders to strengthen the Bradley County Sheriff's Office through effective planning, execution and transparency.
The new sheriff and the team will meet on a regular basis between now and when he takes office in September. Hiring decisions and major policy announcements will not take place until after the Aug. 2 General Election.
Transition Team Members:
Steve Crump – 10th Judicial District Attorney
Jeff Yarber – 5th District Bradley County Commissioner & Law Enforcement Committee Chairman
Amanda Lee – 6th District Bradley County School
Dan Howell – 22nd District Tennessee State Representative
Craig Hamilton
Stacy Smith – Cleveland Police Department, Captain
Bob Johnson – Retired, Bradley County Sheriff’s Office
Dan Gilley – Former Bradley County Sheriff
Adam Lewis – Public Relations
Pastor Gary Sears – Chaplain
Chase Lawson and Connie Lawson
Looking over the shoulders of Sheriff-Elect Steve Lawson and DA Steve Crump are Jeff Yarber and Stacy Smith