Cleveland, TN – Sheriff Steve Lawson and the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office have been recognized by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) for their leadership in the “Handle with Care” initiative, which supports children affected by trauma and crisis events.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the honor was presented by Zandra Welch of ATS The Bridge and Evie Watanabe of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation during a community acknowledgment ceremony. The initiative partners law enforcement with local agencies including the Cleveland Police Department, Bradley County EMS, Cleveland Fire Department, and Bradley County Fire and Rescue to ensure children exposed to violence or emergencies receive timely care and follow-up support.
Sheriff Lawson said the department remains committed to promoting the well-being of youth in Bradley County, emphasizing continued collaboration with first responders and educators to reduce the lasting impact of trauma.
The Handle with Care program alerts schools and community organizations when a child has been involved in a distressing incident, helping staff provide extra emotional or academic support.
Officials said the recognition reinforces a shared goal: building a safer, more compassionate community for children and families across Bradley County.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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