Sheriff-elect Eric Watson names Brian Smith as chief Bradley County deputy

photo Brian Smith, who will serve as chief deputy under Bradley County Sheriff-elect Eric Watson, speaks to a packed courthouse on Friday during a "meet and greet" event with Watson's command staff. Others standing from left are Richard McAllister, Lt. Keith Edwards Steve Lawson and Watson.

CLEVELAND, Tenn. - Brian Smith, a 32-year law enforcement veteran and a member of the Bradley County Commission, has been named as Sheriff-elect Eric Watson's chief deputy.

On Friday, Watson introduced Smith and five other members of his command staff during a "meet and greet" event at a packed Bradley County Courthouse.

Watson cited Smith's long career in law enforcement and his service on the Bradley County Commission as key attributes for his selection.

"Most of all - and this is very important - he has the respect of many of the city's police officers as well as Bradley County sheriff's deputies and attorneys and judges in this town," said Watson.

Smith retired from the Cleveland Police Department in 2012 and served with the Bradley County Sheriff's Office early in his career. He is finishing his second term on the commission.

"It's going to be an honor to work with the men and women of the sheriff's department and also with all local law enforcement agencies," said Smith.

Steve Lawson , the former director of the 10th Judicial District Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, will serve as captain of the Criminal Investigations Division.

Watson said Lawson led the Criminal Investigations Division in 1987, prior to an 18-year stint with the Bowater paper mill, and again between 2006 and 2010, prior to taking over the drug task force.

"I have worked closely with Steve over the years, and I have always been very impressed by his professional approach to criminal investigations," said Watson.

Lawson said he has "thoroughly enjoyed" his service on the drug task force over the past four years, stating he had the honor to work with some of the finest officers he has ever known.

"But my heart is, and always has been, in the Bradley County Sheriff's Office, even during the years I was away from it," he said.

Other members of Watson's leadership team include Lt. Keith Edwards, Arnold Botts, Gabe Thomas and Richard McAllister.

Edwards has been named captain of patrol services and Botts has been chosen to serve as director of administration.

Botts is a Cleveland native and former city police chief, said Watson. He has been an office manager and investigator for the Logan-Thompson Law Firm of Cleveland.

In his role of director of administration, Botts will oversee record-keeping, public relations and community outreach programs such as the new Victim Assistance Unit, Watson said.

Watson previously named Thomas as captain of the newly combined corrections and judicial services, and McAllister as director of support services.

Watson will assume office Sept. 1.

Paul Leach is based in Cleveland. Email him at paul.leach.press@gmail.com.

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