Another deputy, a few months ago, was able to act quickly to bring a car to a safe stop, after the driver lost consciousness due to illness.
Over the years deputies have rescued people from car crashes in which the cars were burning, or from the victim being face down in water after being thrown from a car. Many times they have had to apply first aid to those that have been injured and comfort them till medical help arrived.
Several choking victims over the years have had the good fortune that a deputy was on hand to apply the Heimlich maneuver to dislodge whatever was choking them.
Our deputies have rescued children and adults from hostage situations. Our deputies have disarmed explosive materials. Our deputies have held and comforted a scared and brokenhearted child. Our deputies have given their last bit of money to feed a hungry family, or a homeless person.
Our deputies, many times, have shown compassion to the alcoholic and chronic drug abuser. Our deputies have found help, food and shelter for these derelicts of society.
Our deputies have rescued many from spousal abuse. Our deputies have rescued many cats, dogs and farm animals that were in peril.
Our deputies have wept with the bereaved, as they have had to be the messenger of death. Our deputies have participated in fundraising events for the down and out, and have brought comfort to the terminally ill.
Our deputies from time to time, on their own time, have made safety checks on those who felt threatened and vulnerable.
Every now and then, I get aggravated at one of our deputies and want to kick him or her in the seat of the pants, but all in all I am very proud of their performance. Every day, seven days a week, 24 hours a day, year after year they are on the job.
Each deputy serves proudly, bringing their own personality and strength to make up the whole. Hopefully, each one is learning and growing intellectually, as well as in character, every day.
These are our sons and daughters, who are making a career of service to their home community. They are the thin blue line of defense against lawlessness, thugs and outright chaos.
Our citizens draw comfort, and rest easy, knowing that, if trouble comes, a competent Bradley County deputy sheriff is just a few minutes away.
Thanks for reading.
