6-7-21 Police Chief David Roddy Announces Retirement

“I believe one of the most critical aspects of making big decisions is timing, with a particular focus on professional timing, said Chief David Roddy. “I am now focusing on personal timing. The last 26 years of my life and my family's life have been connected with the Chattanooga Police Department. It's now time for that energy to go to my family and the next chapter of my life.”

During his tenure with the CPD, Roddy has served as Chief, Acting Chief, Chief of Staff, and Captain of multiple divisions along with many years in Patrol, Narcotics, and Gang Investigations. He also served 14 years on the department’s SWAT team, much of that time as the team’s commander.

Through Chief Roddy’s leadership, the Chattanooga Police Department has developed a strong youth engagement platform as well as authentic relationships with members of the community. He collaborated with Unum, YCAP, PlayCore, UTC, Boys and Girls Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and many other businesses and nonprofits to help enrich the lives and opportunities for at-risk youth in Chattanooga. Roddy has also created occasions for CPD Officers, kids, and other community members to engage in more relaxed settings through the School Liaison Program, Handle with Care, and Front Porch Lineups. He is a certified Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) trainer and is credited with bringing ACEs training to every CPD Officer through annual in-service. 

Chief Roddy was instrumental in the implementation of the Enhancement Law Enforcement Response to Victims (ELERV) Grant awarded to CPD in October, 2015. Because of his work with the ELERV Grant and his tremendous support of victims, Chief Roddy was nominated to join the IACP’s Victim Services Committee in the Spring of 2017. Chief Roddy also serves on committees/boards for the following:

• ATF Crime Gun Innovation Council
• Regional Health Council
• Leadership Tennessee
• Boys and Girls Club of Chattanooga
• City of Chattanooga Wellness Committee
• Serving Marriages

Chief Roddy has received numerous community, department, and state level recognitions and accolades for community relations, leadership, heroism, and team building accomplishments. He holds the distinction of being the only officer from the CPD to graduate from the FBI National Executive Institute, an intensive training program for chief executive officers of the nation‘s largest municipal, county, and state law enforcement organizations. Roddy is also a graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy, the Leadership of Chattanooga program, and many executive level law enforcement development courses. 

Per Chattanooga City Code, Mayor Tim Kelly will appoint an interim police chief. Over the coming weeks, a transition plan will be developed that will include the process for selecting the next Chief of Police. Chief David Roddy’s retirement is voluntary and his final day serving as Chattanooga’s police chief will be July 30, 2021. 

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