One of the privileges of being almost 60-years-old and a life-long Chattanoogan, is that I have known virtually all of the police commissioners and police chiefs going back to Bookie Turner.
First of all, I wish to thank Chief Fred Fletcher for his service during a difficult time in the history of our city. Given the challenges, he has served us well and been responsive to the community.
Now as we look to the future and choose a new chief, there has in my opinion never been a more obvious choice than our own David Roddy.
The seemingly common practice of looking across the nation for a new chief or paying some search firm to recommend who will lead the Chattanooga Police Department is not the proper course when we have a home grown leader of extraordinary talent ready and willing to lead us forward.
I hope the leaders of our fine city will see fit to choose the Acting Chief of Police David Roddy as our permanent chief in quick order. He deserves our support.
Zach Wamp
Member of Congress 1995-2011
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I'm not from Chattanooga, but I am very familiar with Chattanooga/Hamilton County and regional law enforcement. I know first hand how important it is for everyone to be working together in the fight against crime and the importance of law enforcement leaders being respected by those they lead.
I agree with Congressman Wamp, David Roddy would be an excellent choice for police chief in Chattanooga.
Chief Roddy has earned the respect of the men and women of CPD, regional law enforcement and members of the community and region.
Tim Gobble