Bobby Dodd is stepping down from his post of chief of police and most of his command staff is going out with him.
Chief Dodd has submitted his resignation to Mayor Andy Berke, it was stated.
Retiring along with him will be Deputy Chief Tommy Kennedy, Assistant Chief Kirk Eidson and Capt. Jeannie Snyder.
Randy Dunn, who was over the patrol division, retired two weeks ago.
One issue is plans by the Berke administration to trim pensions for fire and police. Berke officials said that taxpayers could not sustain the present rate of pension payouts.
Mayor Andy Berke said he has appointed Donna Roddy, Roger Dickson and District Attorney Bill Cox to a Blue Ribbon Panel to find a successor police chief. Roger Dickson is a former federal magistrate and currently a partner at Miller Martin who handles both civil and criminal cases. District Attorney Bill Cox has served as District Attorney for 33 years and, as a former officer in the Chattanooga Police Department, has considerable experience in law enforcement, it was stated. Donna Roddy is currently the on site health educator for BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, is chairwoman of its Cultural Competency Committee, has previously served as the chapter president of the Chattanooga Area Urban League, and is a member of National Coalition of 100 Black Women.
Also retiring is Sgt. Sully Batts.
Rodney Jones, fire department battalion chief, and fire Capts. Raymond Moore, David Pemberton, Richard Phillips and Leston Rorex are retiring.
Capt. Moore, Capt. Rorex, Capt. Phillips and Capt. Pemberton submitted their retirement letters in November. Battalion Jones submitted his on Dec. 6.
Firefighters Timothy Burke and Stephen Cothran are leaving.
Lacie Stone of the mayor's office said, "This afternoon, Mayor Andy Berke accepted the retirement letter of Chattanooga Police Chief Bobby Dodd. Chief Dodd stated, after numerous years of service to the city of Chattanooga, he is excited to move forward with opportunities outside of the public sector.
Chief Dodd said, “I began my career with the City of Chattanooga in 1986 and I have enjoyed the many professional and personal friendships I have been fortunate enough to develop over the past three decades. While I look forward to spending more time with my family and friends in retirement, I will miss working with and for such a great group of professional men and women that put on a badge and serve their communities.
“I am proud of the work we’ve accomplished together as a City and I know, under Mayor Berke’s leadership, public safety will remain a top priority. The Chattanooga Violence Reduction Initiative (VRI) will have an important impact on our community, and I know the department, in close partnership with community partners, will work hard throughout its full implementation. And, as the Pension Task Force winds down its work, I am confident we will reach a consensus that allows us to accomplish our goals while being responsible to our citizens.”
Mayor Berke said, “Chief Dodd has served the citizens of Chattanooga for over 29 years. I appreciate his commitment and professionalism, as an officer and as a leader of the Chattanooga Police Department (CPD), and I truly wish him the best of luck.
“I am forming a Blue Ribbon Panel to participate in our search for a chief of police. These community members will volunteer their time and expertise as we choose the right leader for our Police Department.”
The Blue Ribbon Panel will be briefed on the specific needs and functions of the CPD, including important strategies like Chattanooga VRI, before meeting with top tier candidates for the position.
Chief Dodd will remain in his position until Dec. 31, 2013. Deputy Chief Stan Maffett has worked for over 35 years in the CPD and will act as interim Chief during the search.