The Chattanooga police chief and the Hamilton county sheriff don't agree on soliciting contributions from the public.
But the second annual enforcement luncheon still drew a packed house today.
Chief Bobby Dodd did not attend because of a philosophical difference.
Should citizens be asked to contribute to to a fund used for law enforcement agencies?
Jim Hammond filled the Chattanoogan ballroom with local citizens and leaders at the Sheriff's Foundation Luncheon.
The 25 dollar a plate event , he says, raises money for new equipment, command level training and community programs.
But not everyone agrees.
SHERIFF JIM HAMMOND "I'm not sure what the riff is with the city chief of police has decided not to participate...I really can't speak for him but the rest of the agencies seem to be on board with what we're trying to do."
Chief Bobby Dodd, in an October 8 email notified the sheriff he would not attend or sponsor a table.
It read:
"In my position as chief of police , I make a concerted effort to avoid direct involvement in politics, fund-raising, or solicitation of citizens or business owners, especially when it directly impacts law enforcement."
The sheriff says the event attracted 80% of the businesses in the city who wanted to help.
SHERIFF JIM HAMMOND "Actually the money is housed by the community foundation. Businessman in this city decide how the money is spent..not the sheriff."
In the audience were more than a dozen police chiefs and sheriffs from the tri-state area.
EDDIE PHILLIPS, EAST RIDGE PUBLIC SAFETY DIRECTOR "Its got to be a project that would help every department in the county...and then the Foundation decides 'yes, they will work on that project or fund it."
CHIEF TIM CHRISTOL, RED BANK POLICE DEPARTMENT "Today we're having to reach out through different avenues to try and get the funding to do the training and get the technology that we haven't had before."
Last year's luncheon, the first ever, raised about 140-thousand dollars.
Chief Dodd tells WDEF News 12, "I must stay out of the political realm, as well as avoid any perception of preferential treatment created through monetary donations."
