TROUSDALE CO., Tenn. (WTVF) — The Trousdale County Sheriff's Office is facing a severe staffing crisis as deputies leave for higher-paying positions in surrounding counties, forcing operational changes that affect public safety services.

Sheriff Ray Russell, who has served the department for 37 years including three decades as sheriff, says six deputies have left this year alone, all citing inadequate pay and benefits as their reason for departure.

"A lot of younger officers would like to stay, but they can't afford to," Russell said.

The staffing shortage has forced the department to make significant operational changes. Russell took to Facebook to warn residents about pulling the school traffic deputy to handle emergency calls, reassigning the canine drug interdiction deputy to pa

See Full Page