November 10, 2019
By: Dwayne Page
Citizens of the community recently took advantage of an opportunity to get a closer look at the operation of the Sheriff’s Department and Jail.
Sheriff Patrick Ray has just completed his second Sheriff’s Citizens Academy, an eight week class intended to foster better communications between citizens and the Sheriff’s Department through education on the day to day operations. A graduation ceremony was held on the last night of the course.
The class covered simunition firearms training, investigations, traffic stops, and other subjects. Participants even got to ride along with a deputy for a night.
The class met once a week for three hours each night over an eight week period.
“One of my goals for this Sheriff’s Citizen’s Academy is to try to bridge the gap of misunderstanding and confusion between the public and Law Enforcement. By doing this, it allows each participant to see how the Sheriff’s Department works in-depth on a day to day basis,” said Sheriff Ray.
Citizens who participated in this class were Justin Braswell, Rick Goins, Jessica Leon, Danielle Reynolds, Dessa Ray, Veronica Pack, Lora Webb, Mellissa Yarbrough, Jill Davis, Carrie Meador, Gena Cripps and Dewayne Bain.
Sponsors were Wal-Mart, IWC of Cookeville, Dr. Pepper of McMinnville, and IHS Pharmacy.
The next Sheriff’s Citizens Academy will be held next spring. If you are interested in signing up for the academy call Sheriff Patrick Ray at 615-597-4935.