Ruth takes oath as Bradley County’s new sheriff

CLEVELAND, Tenn. — Jim Ruth took the oath of office Tuesday evening as Bradley County sheriff.

Before a standing-room-only crowd at Cloverleaf Baptist Church, Ruth called for a new attitude at the department.

“This means that there will be no bullying or mean talk that will be tolerated,” Ruth said. He told officers who crowded into the center section of the church that “on the flip-side of this, I will not allow you to be abused or disrespected.”

Ruth said he already has made some reorganization changes, doing away with some ranked positions. He also has reinstituted the rank of corporal in the uniformed divisions to serve as field training officers and third in command of a shift when needed.

He plans on a full-time civil process and warrant serving team.

Courthouse security devices will be reactivated this morning, Ruth said Tuesday evening.

“We are going to change directions in our drug enforcement unit,” Ruth said, working with other agencies. “We have a big job ahead of us to build the drug fund back up and keep things going as they are now.”

The department will be “more proactive in our approach to reducing crime. That means enhanced crime prevention programs and working with the community,” Ruth said.

Ruth took the oath from Judge Larry Puckett. The command staff was sworn in by Judge Mike Sharp. Judge Amy Reedy lead the oath for deputy sheriffs.

The program began with remarks from Phil Taylor, director of missions for the local Baptist association.

Taylor said the ceremony is believed to be the first time a Bradley County official has held an oath of office ceremony in a church.

“What will protect you and protect our streets is a praying people,” Taylor told the many police officers.

The oath of office for most other county officials will be held today at 9 a.m. at the courthouse.

New members of the Cleveland City Council and both the city and county school boards will take their oaths at their next meetings.