by Sheriff Tim Gobble
posted August 7, 2008
Because of increased incidents of church violence across the nation and in keeping with my philosophy of proactive law enforcement and my desire to empower law abiding citizens with the ability to defend themselves, I have decided to establish the BCSO Special Deputy Church Protection Program for Bradley County.
Basically, the program authorizes special deputies to serve as protectors of their respective church bodies. These deputies will be well-trained and have specific law enforcement powers, including the right to carry a gun. If a violent aggressor comes into their congregation and opens fire, the special deputy will be on the scene with a level of training and means to take action that will hopefully bring the situation to an immediate stop.
The program will be regulated by strict guidelines. Special deputies will have to pass a background investigation, meet the same minimum qualifications as a full time deputy sheriff (with the exception of having to attend a police academy), and complete 40 hours of in-service training each year covering many aspects of commonsense security measures. Special deputies will also have to show proof of a bond, as any liability pursuant to state law will remain with the individual or organization.
To qualify for the BCSO program, a church must meet 501(c)(3) requirements, have had a physical meeting location for at least the last 12 months, and an attendance of at least 50 people. Initially, churches will be limited to two special deputies which will be selected from well known, regularly-attending church members who are in good standing, and who are trustworthy, mature and responsible.
I understand this program isn't for every church, as some already have armed security, some may be satisfied with members having concealed carry permits, some have regularly attending off-duty law enforcement, and some may not desire such a program. But, as a firm believer in our Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms for our own protection, I want every church in Bradley County that would like such a partnership with the BCSO to have the option available to them. The program is purely voluntary and offered as a means of safe-guarding our worship services from armed intruders and a level of training that may not be available otherwise.
I have always encouraged a strong partnership between the community and public service agencies. History has shown that Americans excel when we take responsibility for ourselves, our families and our property instead of depending on the government to do everything for us. That is not to say people should take the law into their own hands ~ they most certainly should not. But through the cooperative efforts of community watch groups, through events like last week's Night Out Against Crime, and through programs like this one, we can send a strong, unified and effective message that in Bradley County we will not tolerate or allow ourselves to live in fear of violent criminals.
Having the possibility of quick armed intervention to stop a church shooter before full-time law enforcement arrives is something all churches should consider. Statistically, the chances of a violent shooting occurring in church are remote, but it can and has happened. If this program helps save a life or prevent a shooting, it will be worth it. An armed and trained citizenry is the best defense against crime.
For more information about the BCSO Special Deputy Church Protection Program, or if you would like to obtain an application packet, contact the Bradley County Sheriff's Office at (423) 728 7300 or download the application packet from the "Volunteer Programs" section at the BCSO web site: at www.bradleysheriff.com.
In closing, I am happy to announce that this year's Sheriff's Family Day is set for Saturday, Oct. 11, at Stuart School and I hope you will all clear your calendars so you can be with us. Last year's Family Day was a huge success and we are expecting this year to be even bigger. I will be talking more about the Sheriff's Family Day in weeks to come, but I just want you to know the date in plenty of time so you can make plans to be there with us.
As ever, I encourage everyone to visit the BCSO web site to stay informed about important issues relevant to all Bradley County citizens. If you would like to contact us, you can call the number listed above, or write: 2290 Blythe Ave., SE, Cleveland TN 37311. You can email me directly at: comments@bradleysheriff.com
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I commend Sheriff Gobble in Bradley County for the Church Protection Program that he trying to start in Bradley County. I think Chattanooga needs to look at getting a program too. A church is a place that you should be able to go and not fear for your life. People are just going crazy shooting and killing people.
I think of all the lives that have been lost in the past year all over the country, just because some fool decides that they want to make a name for themselves. At least this killer in Knoxville got caught before he killed himself.
I look back at the Westroads Mall here in Omaha, this past December where nine good people lost their lives for just shopping or working. We have to stop the killings.
I think everyone needs to ban together and help the communities stop the killings.
Great job, Sheriff Gobble
Patty Shirley
bestfr1303@cox.net
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