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- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 13 Jan 2006.
Strange announces for Cocke County Sheriff's race
By: GARY BUTLER
Source: The Newport Plain Talk
01-15-2006
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NEWPORT-Veteran Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Claude Strange told the Plain Talk Friday that integrity, experience, accessibility, and emphasis on crime prevention will be the hallmarks of his administration-if he is elected Cocke County Sheriff in the upcoming election.
Strange, who is married to Earlene Lindsey Strange, and resides at 521 Vinson Drive, said he believes his 33 years as a Tennessee State Trooper have prepared him well for the job of sheriff in Cocke County in many ways.
The Stranges have two children-Claude (Chuck) Strange and Julie Strange, daughter-in-law Billie Ann Strange, and two grandchildren-Tanner and Taylyn Strange.
Claude Strange's mother, Doris Strange, is deceased, and his father, Claude W. Strange, resides in Dandridge. Earlene Strange's parents, Earl and Nita Lindsey, of North St., are both deceased.
In addition to being a member of the Shriner's organization, Strange is a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, American Association of State Troopers, Tennessee Law Enforcement Officers Association, and the Newport Masonic Lodge. In addition to his eight weeks at the Law Enforcement Training Academy in Donelson, 40 hours of DUI Enforcement Training, 40 hours of Diversity Training, 40 hours of Drug Interdiction Training, Respectful Workplace for Staff schooling, and 40 hours of Defensive Driving Training, Strange said he has completed 1,320 hours of in-service training during his tenure as a highway patrolman.
And, perhaps even more important than the training, Strange said he has dealt with a wide array of law enforcement-related situations during his lengthy career as a trooper.
"I have been involved with 'meth' lab busts, traffic accident investigations, including many fatalities; DUI arrests, and too many different types of crimes and arrests to name, plus all the paperwork and organizational skills that it takes to deal with all of that," said Strange. "But all those years and all that traveling in and around Cocke County has allowed me to meet many fine folks and make many life-long friends, too.
"It is dealing with the public that I think has helped me as much as anything in preparing to ask for the opportunity to serve as sheriff," he added.
Strange said he plans, as sheriff, to be "very accessible to the public and to the men and women employed by the sheriff's department.
"I make my home in Cocke County, and in the past 33 years I have made a lot of contacts and a lot of good friends here," he said. "I listen to what the citizens of Cocke County have to say, and I will be available to them to answer questions and to hear suggestions.
"I intend to work hard to fight drug abuse in our county, to make more DUI arrests, and provide more patrol time. And I think it is very important to work closely with other law enforcement agencies and with the courts," said Strange. "And the thing I hear most from the people here is how concerned they are about home burglaries.
"I intend to put more patrol units out into more communities as a first step in reducing burglaries," he said.
Concerning the current upheaval within the Cocke County Sheriff's Department, Strange said, "The [sheriff's] department is in chaos right now.
"If I am elected I intend to work more closely with the men and women in the department, and I would welcome the input of the citizens of Cocke County. It is very important to have their respect, and I think to get that respect I will have to show them that I will be on the job, either in the office or out in the field," he said.
Strange said he has learned a lot just by listening to people.
"Plus I enjoy meeting people, and hearing about their wants and their needs, and hearing what they think needs to be done within our sheriff's department. "With their help we can make a difference," he said.
- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 3 May 2006.
Cocke County Sheriff-elect Claude Strange told the Plain Talk Tuesday evening that, "first and foremost, I have to thank God for helping me win this race.
"And I also want to thank my family and all my supporters who worked so hard to make this happen, and, of course all the great people of Cocke County who voted in this election," said Strange. Strange-a 33-year veteran of the Tennessee Highway Patrol-said he is looking forward to working closely with current sheriff Billy Wayne Moore during the transitional period between now and August, when he will formally take office. Strange said there are changes looming on the horizon for the Cocke County Sheriff's Department, but he is confident that the transition will be a smooth one. "I've know Billy Wayne [Moore] for years and I know I can count on him," said Strange.
- [S23] Atchley Funeral Home, (http://www.atchleyfuneralhome.com/), 29 Nov 2009.
Sheriff Strange glad cancer ordeal over, says his health better than ever
Sheriff Claude Strange's smile reflects his good health and strong spirit after overcoming colon cancer this year. He will be completing his first term in 2010 and plans to seek re-election, he said.
Author: David Popiel
Cocke County Sheriff Claude Strange credits the support of his family, friends, and the community for his quick and complete recovery from cancer.
In March he was diagnosed with colon cancer that required surgery and chemotherapy, but through it all he has been able to keep working and serving as chief law enforcement official.
"I had been feeling weak. I thought it might be my heart," he said in an interview at the Plain Talk on Tuesday. But during examinations at a Knoxville hospital last spring, doctors ruled out heart trouble but detected cancer. Sheriff Strange, 63, on Nov. 10, had a routine colonoscopy about five years ago that detected no cancer.
He underwent surgery at Ft. Sanders Medical Center where about 75 percent of his colon was removed. His oncologist recommended at least a dozen chemotherapy sessions, but after the eleventh session tests showed the cancer had disappeared.
That last treatment was in Sept., and both his hair and energy returned. "Everything else is fine," he said of his health.
"I feel fantastic," he said, adding that his recovery took determination and a lot of moral and spiritual support. "There were so many people from here and counties all around that sent cards, called, or had been praying for me. It made a difference."
"You set your mind to do it," he said of following doctor's orders, forcing him to eat and drink fluids when he did not feel like doing so.
"They will watch it for three years," he said referring to regular testing to make sure the cancer does not return. Diet is important and he excludes certain foods that might irritate his colon, such as vegetables with many seeds.
As for Sheriff Strange, he is not worrying about the future. "The Lord will take care of me. I'm a winner either way."
His improved health and clean bill from doctors after a battle with cancer makes him confident to seek re-election in 2010. He said he would be a candidate in the May Republican Primary.
It is what he lives and breaths, law enforcement. For 34 years he worked as a state trooper with the Tennessee Highway Patrol. After leaving the THP, he ran for sheriff in 2006 and was elected for a four-year term that would end Sept. 1, 2010.
After surgery, he stayed away for about two weeks on sick leave but returned to duty. "People didn't elect me to stay at home." He said he enjoys his work and helping the citizens. "Law enforcement is all I know."
"I feel better now than in years," he said. Sheriff Strange also has successfully handled diabetes. At one time he weighed more than 300 pounds but began his diabetes medication and dieting and lost more than 100 pounds. During chemotherapy he lost about 20 pounds, which he has regained.
He thanked all those who showed concern for his health and supported him through the ordeal. His wife, Earlene, has been a constant support and encouragement, he said.
His immediate family includes their children: Chuck Strange, married to Billie Ann, and Julie Strange. Sheriff Strange also has two grandchildren: Tanner, 11, and Taylyn, 16.
Sheriff's Strange's mother, the former Doris Jones, is deceased but his 86-year-old father, Claude Warren Strange is still active.
- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 9 Jan 2010.
Cocke County Sheriff Claude Strange has announced he will seek re-election in the May Republican Primary.
Prior to his tenure in office, Strange served three decades with the Tennessee Highway Patrol. He is approaching my fourth decade in law enforcement. In 2009 he was elected president of the East Tennessee Law Enforcement Executive Committee, current member of Tennessee Sheriff's Association, Fraternal Order of Police, American Association of State Trooper's, Tennessee Law Enforcement Officer's Association, Newport Masonic Lodge, and Shriner's Organization.
"I would like to thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve as your Sheriff for past three half years," said Stranger. "It has indeed been my high honor and distinct pleasure to serve. It is my sincere hope that you will allow me to continue as your sheriff.
"I assure the citizens of Cocke County my law enforcement career has given me great knowledge and ability. Each day, while administering the duties of Sheriff, I have been truly focused on the department's needs so that I can better provide for the community. It isn't by accident that we no longer have to deal with the type of unsavory activity within the Sheriff's Department. I have personally worked directly at developing and recognizing the employee's abilities to better serve the department and mostly the community.
"Cocke County has changed drastically over the past decade. The department has fought an admirable 'War on Drugs,' arresting and prosecuting drug dealers. We have been successful in our aggressive enforcement efforts that we don't experience the major drug problem that some communities are plagued with.
"During these difficult and challenging times that face our country, it is my strong belief that our law enforcement agencies must be ready and alert for what may possibly lie ahead. Your sheriff's office should be managed by experience, dedication, character, integrity, and honesty. I have always exemplified these traits, and will continue to guide the sheriff's office with a steady hand. I humbly ask for your vote and support.
"Lastly, I will be focusing on a successful campaign, one must have the citizen's support. Therefore, I will continue to provide each citizen with the opportunity to communicate with me at anytime as I have for the past three half years. Serving this community over the years has been the most humbling and rewarding experience of my career. I truly hope that you will allow me to continue to serve the good people of Cocke County."
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