K-9 NOW ON PATROL AT BRADLEY JAIL

The Bradley County Sheriff's Office, with the hard work of Deputy Mike
Cooper, now has the distinction of having one of the only K-9 officers in
its jail.

Franz, a 2-year-old German shepherd, was certified in Blount County for
tracking and narcotics, and was assigned to the local jail on Nov. 15.

According to K-9 handler Cooper, Franz can also hit on narcotic odors.

"We can't thank Sheriff Gilley enough for all the support he gave us
through the training process," said Cooper.

He explained that most recently Franz hit on a marijuana odor on an inmate.
The inmate was tested for narcotic use and failed the test. "We can also
occasionally just run Franz through the jail to make sure there are no
narcotics brought into the jail," Cooper said.

Although Franz has not yet been trained in aggression, Cooper hopes that
will be the next step in his training process.

Gilley added that the K-9 is just one of several changes the department has
made in order to get ready for the move to the new justice center.

"I am and continue to be impressed with the hard work and dedication our
law enforcement officers have," said Gilley. "Each and every one of them
have the safety of the citizens of Bradley County foremost in their minds."