Life’s decisions confront us on a daily basis, and prudent decisions bring positive results. Exercising your right to vote is a very prudent decision. I ask each of you to vote for the “Law Enforcement You Deserve.”

Let me introduce myself. I’m Ray Cross, candidate for Sheriff of Dade County. As a former Lookout Mountain assistant police chief and Dade County Sheriff’s Office dispatcher, detention officer and deputy, I bring valuable law enforcement experience to the position. Add to that the love I have for the Dade County community, which has been my home for 40 years.

As a youth, I moved with my family to Dade County’s New Salem community from Chattanooga in 1972. Shortly afterward, I joined New Salem Baptist Church, where I remain a member and serve as a youth director and Sunday school teacher.

I've been married to my wife Cindy for 20 years. We have three wonderful children. My son Kevin and his wife Julia have two children, Addison and Wyatt. My son Marcus is employed with Shober Group, and my daughter Courtney attends Dalton State College.

I attended Northwest Georgia High School from 1974-1978. I became interested in law enforcement at an early age and subsequently applied for a position with the Dade County Sheriff's Office, where I was hired as a dispatcher. I paid attention, taking every opportunity given to me. I was promoted to detention officer and attended jail school at Bartow County. I then attended and graduated from the Police Academy at Floyd College.  I worked as a deputy until 1996 when I was promoted to Sergeant. In 1998, I took a position as a patrolman with the Lookout Mountain Police Department. Within a year, I worked my way up to Lieutenant, and in 2002 I took the Assistant Chief of Police position, where I remained until 2010.

During my career with the Lookout Mountain Police Department, I took advantage of all schooling required, such as chief's training courses, detective training classes, and numerous seminars and conferences. During my tenure, I became a certified firefighter, taking all the required safety and regulatory classes associated with fire school and first responder right through the advanced training course. I was involved in every aspect of the department, including road patrol, investigator, budget planning, and media relations.

In 2010, I made the decision to return to the Dade County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy. Spending more quality time with my family was important to me, as Courtney would be graduating from high school and going away to college.

With my 19 years of extensive experience in law enforcement, I have quickly seen many areas that need to be addressed and changed under the current administration. Therefore, I felt compelled to resign my position and pursue my candidacy for Sheriff of Dade County.

You are the tax-paying citizens of Dade County, and you deserve the protection your tax dollars have paid for. Speak up and be heard. Get involved in your community and make it a better place to grow up for your children and grandchildren. Without your vote, there will be no change. We need a change. I can do that for you. I will do that for you if you cast your vote for me.

I welcome the opportunity to speak with you personally. Feel free to contact me by phone at (423) 322-7115 or by email raycrossforsheriff@gmail.com. Look me up on the web at raycrossforsheriff.com.

I'm Ray Cross, candidate for Dade County Sheriff, and I would appreciate your vote on July 31, 2012. Make the prudent decision and get the "Law Enforcement You Deserve."