Scenic Chattanooga Optimist Club Honors Sergeant Josh May

The Scenic Chattanooga Optimist Club honored Chattanooga Police Department Sergeant Josh May on Friday during the club’s annual Respect for Law program held in the Broad Street Grille at The Chattanoogan Hotel.  The Command Staff of the CPD nominated Sergeant May to Chief of Police Fred Fletcher.

 Sergeant May is a 15-year veteran of the Chattanooga Police Department. Currently, Sergeant May is assigned to the Organized Crime Unit where he serves as the Focused Deterrence coordinator. This position focuses directly on the main perpetrators of violence within Chattanooga through intelligence led and data driven policing techniques. 

In the past eight years of his career, Sergeant May has dedicated himself to focusing on fighting gang-related crime in Chattanooga. He provides intelligence for the Violence Reduction Initiative, maintains a gang validation list, and works directly with gang members to help them see they have other options and support. 

In addition to the direct work with gang members and their activity in the city, Sergeant May has also been instrumental in leading the management and implementation of new ballistic technology called National Integrated Ballistic Information Network. This technology developed by the ATF allows CPD to share information that has been proven effective in addressing gun and gang violence. Sergeant May has also worked countless hours creating additional layers to the strategy of fighting gang violence by developing a Gun Team, dedicated Gang Unit, and Rapid Response Team. With the implementation of these new teams, Sergeant May will directly supervise roughly a dozen officers. 

Sergeant May is a member of both the Tennessee National Gang Investigators Association and National Gang Investigators Association. He teaches incoming CPD cadets about gang activity in Chattanooga as well as teaching classes to community members, and other law enforcement agencies throughout the United States. 

Sergeant May is a native of Memphis and holds degrees in Criminal Justice and Sociology from UTC. 

"The Scenic Chattanooga Optimist Club has recognized the selfless service of many Chattanooga Police officers in the past," said CPD Deputy Chief David Roddy. "Sergeant Josh May is another devoted, hardworking officer deserving of this award and recognition. I am proud to serve alongside Sergeant May and highly value the expertise. dedication, and leadership he brings to the Chattanooga Police Department." 

The Club’s “Respect for Law Program” was initiated in 1965 by Past Optimist International President Carl Bowen and former FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover.  The program was adopted locally because of the club’s belief that it is important for the community to recognize the many positive attributes of local law enforcement personnel who serve and protect the citizens of Chattanooga and Hamilton County. 

Earl Burton, president of the Scenic Chattanooga Optimist Club, said, “For over 20years our Optimist Club has participated in the Optimist International Respect for Law Program.  As a community, we are deeply indebted to those who choose a career of service in law enforcement.  These men and women serve as the front line of protection for all of us, and we are proud to honor them.” 

Gary Behler, Hamilton County Juvenile Court Clerk and chairman of the Scenic Chattanooga Optimist Club Respect for Law Program added, “It has been my honor and privilege to serve as Chairman of the Respect for Law Program for the past eighteen years.  Law enforcement has always been one of the most challenging careers that anyone could choose.  In today’s climate across our great nation, the men and women of law enforcement face increasing difficulties, perhaps more than at any time in our country’s history.  It is incumbent upon all of us to be especially aware of the risks our law enforcement officers face every day.  We all owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude for their service!” 

Members of the Chattanooga Police Department present for the award luncheon included Deputy Chief David Roddy, Assistant Chief Tracy Arnold, Assistant Chief Edwin McPherson, Captain Pedro Bacon and Administrative Support Specialist Chandra McFarland. Family members of the honoree present included Sergeant. May’s wife, Chattanooga Police Department Sergeant Traci May. 

Respect for Law is one of the organization’s most popular programs, with more than 1,500 clubs participating annually. Carrying the motto “Bringing out the Best in Kids,” Optimists conduct positive service projects that reach more than six million young people each year. To learn more about Optimist International, please call 314.371-6000 or visit the organization’s website at www.optimist.org.  For information on the local Scenic Chattanooga Optimist Club contact Club President Earl Burton at earl.burton@aeedinc.com.