Welcome to Bradley County, Tennessee - Bradley County, TN Official Site

County Mayor, D. Gary Davis

Welcomes You To Bradley County, Tennessee

Bradley County Mission Statement

Bradley County is committed to providing a safe, clean and progressive community for its citizens through the development and implementation of effective programs which are managed with the highest degree of efficiency. Our focus is to maximize the quantity and quality of services and programs while minimizing the financial contribution of taxpayers.

County Fire and Rescue Receives State Recognition

Bradley County Fire and Rescue is one of the most qualified and highly trained fire departments in Tennessee. That’s according to the Tennessee State Fire and Codes Academy which recognized Bradley Fire and Rescue for its training efforts this week at a conference in Nashville.

Bradley County ranked 14th overall… out of 732 fire departments in Tennessee and 4th overall among departments that are a combination of volunteer and fully paid. There are 662 Combination Fire Departments in the state.

Bradley County Mayor Gary Davis commended Fire Chief Dewey Woody and his staff for their leadership in ensuring that Bradley County citizens enjoy good fire protection. Davis said…
"The rankings say a lot about the men and women in our fire department and their dedication to training” I am convinced that our firefighters are committed to protecting our citizens and will do whatever it takes to be prepared to handle any emergency situation.”

Chief Woody said a certificate of achievement will be presented to the Mayor and County Fire Board at its next meeting on July 20th.

Bradley County Achieves Highest Three Star Award

Bradley County has once again been certified as a Tennessee Three-Star Community and for the first time the achievement carries a "Benchmark Three” designation. Only 9 of Tennessee’s 95 counties have reached the level three designation which is the highest level attainable in the Governor’s Three Start initiative. Shan Harris, regional director of the Tennessee Three Star Program, recently notified County Mayor Davis of the new designation. "The achievement certifies that Bradley County has attained the highest level of benchmarks” Harris Said, "and I congratulate the community, Mayor Davis and Dan Howell, the County’s Three Star coordinator for their hard work in reaching this goal.”

The Three Star Program is sponsored by the State Department of Economic Development and certifies Bradley County’s economic preparedness. It acknowledges a high level of qualifications in numerous categories, from education and workforce development to emergency preparedness. It also includes a five-year asset based community strategic plan.

County Mayor Gary Davis noted that this is the 16th year the County has been certified as a 3 Star Community. "However, achieving a 3 Star, Level Three certification is hard work and requires input and assistance from many people and community organizations” Davis said. The Mayor said he is especially grateful to his staff, the Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Committee for their help.

The Three Star Program is designed to help Communities set priorities, grow economically and create better paying jobs. A Three-Star Community also qualifies for better State grants and is a valuable tool in industrial recruitment.

County Mayor Gary Davis signs the documents certifying Bradley County as a 3-Star Benchmark Three Community (L to R.) Shan Harris, Tennessee Three Star Program, Gary Davis, Bradley County Mayor, Dan Howell, Executive Assistant to the Mayor.

Bradley County is a Tennessee Three-Star Community meeting a high level of benchmarks established by the State Department of Economic Development. Our community’s industrial and economic base is enhanced by an outstanding quality of life.

Located between Chattanooga and Knoxville on I-75, Bradley County is in the middle of one of nature’s most beautiful playgrounds. Just 20 minutes away is the Beautiful Ocoee River and the site of the Whitewater Venue in the 1996 Olympics. Visitors have come to know Bradley County as the gateway to the Cherokee National Forest and the Great Smoky Mountains.

The Hiwassee River is the first designated State Scenic River in Tennessee. The Hiwassee offers a wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities such as canoeing, fishing, hiking and nature photography as well as skiing, boating and camping on some sections of the river.

Bradley County’s unique history includes the home of the Cherokee Nation who’s last Eastern Capitol is now known as Red Clay State Historical Park. It is an interpreted site certified by the National Trail of Tears Association and stands as a reminder of the spot where they were notified of their tragic journey ahead.

There are significant Civil War sites in Bradley County and two Gateway markers explain why President Abraham Lincoln placed a high priority upon capturing and controlling the railroad in the County Seat of Cleveland. This would enable union troops to control the supply lines to the looming battle in Chattanooga in November of 1863.

However, the 100,000 plus residents of Bradley County are not stuck in the past. We enjoy our history but look to the future with energy and anticipation. Our outstanding quality of life is enhanced by two institutions of higher learning and a thriving industrial community. The seasonal climate, major transportation advantages, diversified economy and traditional family values combine to make Bradley County the ideal place to live, work, raise a family and even retire.

Explore what we have to offer and you will find a warm, friendly community rich in
history, yet characterized by progress. We are confident you will agree with our Chamber of Commerce which is fond of saying that Bradley County, Cleveland and Charleston are "in the middle of it all. Come see us!