Springfield, TN (September 24th, 2019) Captain P.R. West has announced his retirement as Administrative Division Commander for the Robertson County Sheriffâs Office.
Captain West has served in Law Enforcement for over 45 years. His Law Enforcement service includes serving for the Greenbrier Police Department, Springfield Police Department, and the Robertson County Sheriffâs Office. He started with the Robertson County Sheriffâs Office in 1975. He has served in several positions within the Sheriffâs Office including a stint as Chief Deputy under Sheriff Ted Emery. Through his years of experience in Law Enforcement, Captain West has received special training in Vice Operations, Domestic Violence, Command Decisions, S.W.A.T., Advanced Crime Investigation, Drug Interdiction, and Instructor Development. Captain West will retire in December 2019.
âI started in Law Enforcement when we had 3 patrol cars, and that counted the Sheriffâs car. We made $300 a month, and had to buy all our own equipment and uniforms. For the last 10-12 years there has been so many changes in the Robertson County Sheriffâs Office that has benefited the employees and the citizens of this county. I have enjoyed my long run of serving this county, and it is time for me to enjoy my retirement and spend time with my family,â stated Captain P.R. West.
âCaptain West has had a long career in Law Enforcement, which is a rarity in our field today. With his extensive experience in many fields and loyalty to the Sheriffâs Office, he has been a valuable asset to the Sheriffâs Office team. He has trained generations of Deputies, and is instilled in the history of this Sheriffâs Office,â stated Sheriff Michael Van Dyke.
With the retirement of Captain P.R. West, Sheriff Michael Van Dyke has appointed Captain Brad Edwards as the new Administrative Division Commander. Captain Edwards has served with the Robertson County Sheriffâs Office for over 14 years. He has served many roles within the Sheriffâs Office including Corrections Officer, Patrol Deputy, Patrol Corporal, Training Officer, General Department Instructor, and Administrative Lieutenant. Additionally, Captain Edwards holds numerous instructor certifications to include; Firearms, Taser, Defensive Tactics, Active Shooter, and many others. Captain Edwards has a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, and a Masters of Business Administration.
âIt has been an honor and a privilege to work with someone as admirable as Captain P.R. West. He has been a great leader and mentor, not just to me â but to all of those in his command for over the last 40 years. Captain West may be small in stature, but he has a huge heart and I have some enormous shoes to fill. I am grateful to have this opportunity, and I appreciate all the help and support of my mentors at the Sheriffâs Office over the last several years. I am looking forward to this new opportunity and the challenges that may come along with it,â stated Captain Brad Edwards.Â
âWe are excited for the next chapter in Captain Edwardâs career with the Sheriffâs Office. I believe that his experience, education, and specialized training will allow him to succeed in his new command,â stated Sheriff Michael Van Dyke.