Rutherford County Commissioner Pettus Read, who represents the Rockvale and Eagleville communities, donates his salary as a commissioner to community organizations. Most recently, Read donated to the Rutherford County Sheriff's Mounted Patrol unit to buy equipment for the horses.

He has a history of caring for horses. As an MTSU student in the equine program, Read was assigned to Raider, the MTSU mascot. The commissioner never rode Raider but took care of him. "Every time there is a touchdown, they would try to ride him around the football field," Read said.

The Sheriff's Office and the Mounted Patrol Unit thanked Read for his generous contribution. Read previously donated to the Sheriff's K-9 program, schools and the Lions Club.