TEMPORARY POSITION? — Former Bradley County Sheriff took over the helm at the Hamilton County Jail this week, filling in for the full-time jail administrator who is on medical leave. Banner photo, GREG KAYLOR
As Interim administrator, Gobble is responsible for approximately 150 employees and more than 500 inmates.
Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Hammond offered Gobble the job about two weeks ago, telling media the opportunity would be helpful to both Hamilton County and Gobble, who had an unsuccessful bid for the 3rd District Congressional Seat once held by Zach Wamp.
Gobble had reported that Jail Administrator Deputy Chief Richard Shockley was battling cancer.
Gobble said Thursday afternoon during an exclusive interview and tour of the Hamilton County Jail that the facility is certified for 505 inmates, but does house more at times.
“The jail alone has a $10 million budget, double that of Bradley County,” said Gobble.
Hamilton County’s Jail has six floors, versus Bradley County’s single level, which does have two floors per pod.
Not all inmates are held at the Hamilton County Jail, according to Gobble.
“Female inmates and some others may go to a contracted facility, Silverdale, where they are held,” said Gobble.
Although the job is an interim position, the former sheriff has been settling in during the past two days.
The former sheriff also got caught up in traffic on Interstate 75 Thursday morning after a fatal crash literally shut down travel for some time. The experience reminded him of his days traveling daily to Chattanooga when he worked with the U.S. Secret Service.
He has set up a temporary office in a conference room at the Hamilton County Justice Center.
Gobble also noted that he and his former campaign manager, Jeff Lewis, have set up a small marketing business.
