Retired Chief Freeman Cooper, right, receiving the top law enforcement honor, with incoming TACP President Jeff Hughes.
The Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police held its 2016 Annual Conference in Chattanooga. This year’s Joe Casey Award went to Retired Chattanooga Police Chief Freeman Cooper.
The award was presented by TACP Past President and Retired Metro Nashville Police Chief Joe Casey to Chief Cooper in the company of police chiefs and dignitaries from across the state that included Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Director Mark Gwyn, Assistant Commissioner of Safety and Homeland Security Larry Godwin, and Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey.
The award is given in recognition of a Chief of Police (active or retired) who has distinguished himself in the TACP through their character, efforts, guidance, dedication, generosity, and indefinite concern. It also exemplifies his involvement with local, county, state, federal and national organizations to promote and enhance the professional image of all law enforcement.
The award is named for, and annually presented by, Retired Metro Nashville Chief Joe Casey; a seven-time past president of the TACP and past president of the International Association of Chiefs of Police. Chief Casey is not only an icon to the members of the TACP, but to law enforcement nationally as well.
"This year’s recipient is very deserving and meets all specifications of the award. A man I respect and admire," said Retired Chief Casey as he presented Chief Cooper with the award. "He has contributed much to the success of TACP. His service to all of law enforcement and especially TACP is exceptional. His career in law enforcement spans 28 years. He serves as an example to all of the members of this organization and the law enforcement profession as a gentleman of unquestionable character and integrity."
Chief Cooper is a life member of the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police which he joined in 2000. He is an active member of the TACP. He has served as chair of the training committee, co-chair of the Public Safety Coalition Committee, and currently serves as chairman of the Leadership & Membership Committee, member of the Sample Policy Development Committee and member of the ByLaws Committee.
"He is always there to lend a hand and provide his generous support to the TACP and its members," TACP Executive Director Maggi Duncan said. "He epitomizes the meaning of 'volunteer' and gives of himself and his time whenever needed. His commitment to his profession and the men and women of law enforcement is top shelf."
“Retired Chief Freeman Cooper is a friend to all in law enforcement and a mentor to all leaders fortunate enough to share space with him," said outgoing President Chief David Rausch, Knoxville police chief at the awards banquet. "Retired Chief Joe Casey (Metro Nashville Police Department) continues to be an inspiration to law enforcement leaders throughout our state and Chief Cooper is in exceptional company with the other recipients of the Chief Joe Casey Award – which is the highest honor to be bestowed upon a chief of police in the State of Tennessee.”
The Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police was founded in 1970 as a professional organization that is dedicated to the highest ideals of honor, leadership, and integrity to maintain the respect and confidence of their government officials, subordinates, the public, and their fellow members of law enforcement. The association works together to shape public safety policy and provide executive level training to law enforcement executives from more than 300 agencies statewide.