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By Robert Sorrell

Star Correspondent

Carter County Sheriff Mike Fraley has been named the Sheriff of the Year by the Tennessee Constables Association.

On Thursday morning, local constables gathered outside of the Carter County Sheriff’s Department to present Fraley with a plaque. Thursday was also the sheriff’s birthday.

“We got together as a group from East Tennessee and nominated Sheriff Fraley as sheriff of the year,” said Carter County Constable Robert “Bob” Carroll, who serves the county’s eighth district.

There are three divisions of constables in Tennessee, the east division, middle division and west division. Each one of the divisions consists of three board members.

“So once we nominated him, then the association as a whole across the state went in and they had the opportunity to nominate,” Carroll said. “And it was a unanimous vote that he received, because of what he’s done for the constables.”

The Tennessee Constables Association was created in 1974 and this is the first year that a sheriff from Carter County has ever received the award.

“It’s a prestigious award for us,” Carroll said. “It is an honor to be here with him. I’ve known him since he was a young man, a young boy. I went to church with his dad and went to church with him and his brother. I’ve known him a long time, so it’s an honor.”

Carroll said it was even better that Fraley was presented the plaque on his birthday.

“That was great,” he said.

Carter County has 16 constables, including two from eight districts across the county.

Upon becoming sheriff, Fraley promised to work closely with the constables, and Carroll said he has followed through.

The recognition from the Tennessee Constables Association notes Fraley’s dedication and “generous contributions” to the office of constable.

“I am proud to support and work alongside our constables in Carter County,” Fraley said. “I am honored and humbled that the Tennessee Constables Association selected me for this award.”

Fraley told the constables that although they may not agree on everything, they are committed to working together.