posted September 4, 2008
Bradley County Sheriff Tim Gobble said the Sheriff’s Public Service Unit has been formed to provide assistance getting into vehicles when the keys are locked inside.
The unit also are helping the patrol division with funeral escorts thus allowing deputies to continue with their normal patrol duties answering calls.
Sheriff Gobble said the program uses volunteers. Each member of the PSU has received instruction on the many types of car door locks there are and the correct way to unlock them.
“This is the first Public Service Unit for the sheriff’s office,” said Sheriff Gobble. “I am proud of each volunteer for the work they will be doing to serve this community.”
The vehicle that Sheriff Gobble assigned to use is clearly marked “Bradley County Sheriff’s Office Public Service Unit” and is easily distinguished as a non-law enforcement vehicle. It is equipped with a radio and amber emergency lights, the standard for service vehicles.
He said, “They represent the sheriff’s office whenever they are out in public whether they are assisting a motorist or leading a funeral – they are due the same respect as a patrol deputy.”
Sheriff Gobble said the unit has been working with local funeral directors to provide an escort between the funeral home and the cemetery, a practice that is no longer available in many cities. But he said this is something he “believes in and will continue as a service for bereaved families.”
Sheriff Gobble said the unit was formed in response to those who have asked about adding a public service unit to the sheriff’s office’s volunteer programs.
He said, “Since this program relies on volunteers there is little cost involved. It frees up patrol deputies so they can respond to calls for service and act as a deterrent to criminal activity.”
The sheriff said he has divided the county into four patrol zones and has achieved staffing of two deputies in each zone. Supervisors take calls throughout the county and can become backup assistance when deputies respond to high profile situation where the life of the deputy or a citizen is jeopardized.
Sheriff Gobble said increasing the number of deputies in the field since he took office almost two years ago has had a positive impact on crime statistics. Patrol officers are working closely with the Criminal Investigations Division passing on information that has helped to solve a number of cases, he said.
“The PSU lets them continue with their normal duties,” the sheriff said.
Anyone needing assistance from the PSU should contact the 9-1-1 communications center.
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