My name is Captain Tommy Bradford. I have been married to my wife Mary Ann, since 2007, and together we have six wonderful children. I am a 1992 graduate of Northwest Georgia High School here in Trenton, Georgia. After high school, I started my career in law enforcement at the Dade County Sheriff’s Office as a dispatcher, in 1993. In 1994 I graduated from the Floyd College Police Academy, and started work as a road deputy.

 

In 2000, I began working as a School Resource Officer for the Dade County School System, and continued there until 2004. In 2005, I was promoted to Captain over the road deputies, until September of 2007, at which time I took a break from law enforcement.

 

In March 2009, I once again started working for the Dade County Sheriff’s Office as a School Resource Officer. In September 2013, I was promoted to 2nd in command as a Captain, and then eventually promoted to Chief Deputy/Major. I have served in many key operational and administrative roles over the years. This includes a Sergeant Position, SORT Officer, School Resource officer, Captain, and Chief Deputy/Major.

 

After recovering from my injury (see below), I elected to return to the Sheriff's Office and serve as the department's Liaison Officer, at the rank of Captain. I will be acting as a representative of the Sheriff's Office in all community events, as well as being a liaison between the Sheriff's Office and all outside agencies.

 

As a lifelong resident of Dade County, I am committed to the safety and wellbeing of this county.

 

 

 

Liaison Officer

Captain Tommy Bradford

On August 7th, 2018, Captain Tommy Bradford was attempting to deploy spike strips during a pursuit, when he was ran over by the suspect vehicle. The injuries he sustained were very traumatic, including losing his leg, dislocating his shoulder, a skull fracture, and many more "minor" injuries.

 

 

 

Here is a letter from Captain Bradford, that he wrote shortly after the incident while in the hospital.....

 

On August 7th, 2018, I woke up and got ready for work, just like any other day. I had my day planned out as usual, but did not know that something would happen later, that would change my family's life forever.

 

The first part of my day was a normal Tuesday, and then I received a call from a Deputy about a vehicle pursuit heading north on Highway 11, toward the city of Trenton. I did what came naturally to me, and I headed out of my office to assist with the pursuit.

 

I stepped out of my truck, and in an instant, life as I knew it suddenly changed. I was struck by a vehicle, and I felt myself beginning to lose consciousness. Help started arriving, which gave me strength to stay awake and alert. I was flown to Erlanger by Life Force, and underwent several surgeries.

 

I remember waking from the first surgery, looking at my wife, and telling her, “This is it. I am retiring from law enforcement.” However, after seeing the outpouring of love and support, not just from everyone that responded to the accident scene, but from all of my family, friends, and community, I knew in my heart I had to stay, and it was not time to quit.

 

I am a firm believer that things happen for a reason, and it is how we respond, that makes us who we are. God does not give us more than we can handle, and I know deep down in my heart, that God has a plan for my family through this whole situation.

 

Words can never express the gratitude we have felt from all of the prayers, calls, texts, cards, food, and monetary gifts. We continue to be amazed at the massive amount of encouragement and kindness given to my family, and I will forever remember it all.

 

I will continue to serve Dade County, and continue to be a productive leader in its future. I ask that you continue to pray for my family, my recovery, and also myself. I am a true testament of answered prayers.

 

Captain Tommy Bradford

Dade County Sheriff’s Office