The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Rock City Lodge #22, announced its endorsement of Andy Berke for Mayor of Chattanooga. Rock City Lodge #22 represents over 500 local law enforcement officers, including a majority of officers within the Chattanooga Police Department. Mayor Berke won the endorsement with a majority vote by FOP membership on Monday night.
“Mayor Berke is more supportive of Police than any Mayor in recent memory,” said FOP President Sgt.
Sean O’Brien. “He has repeatedly shown enthusiasm to work with our leadership and listen to our members. He has worked to fix our pay-scale, and invested in the tools we need to better protect the citizens of Chattanooga. We proudly endorse Mayor Andy Berke for re-election.”
Officials said, "Over the past four years, Mayor Berke has implemented a series of important reforms and investments to support police officers and their families. He ended controversies over take home cars and pay disparities that existed before his term. In addition, the administration has made key investments to protect and support officers, such as the purchase of chest shields for every officer.
"Mayor Berke made public safety a priority in the city’s budget over the past four years. Key investments include new communications technology for faster response times, technology to analyze and link ammunition to firearms, and the construction of CPD’s Real Time Intelligence Center (RTIC), an intelligence, technology, analysis, and investigative hub housed within the Police Service Center which provides officers real-time information to stop crime and capture criminals."
“I am honored to have the endorsement of the Fraternal Order of Police. Making our city safer starts with supporting the men and women who selflessly put their lives on the line each day to protect us,” said Mayor Berke. “I have seen the incredible service of our officers during times of tragedy like July 16 and Woodmore, and day-to-day as officers build strong relationships with community members and patrol our neighborhoods to keep them safe. I look forward to continuing to support our officers over the next four years so we can ensure every Chattanoogan feels safe.”