The Chattanooga Police Department and the Scenic Chattanooga Optimist Club announce that this year’s recipient of the “Respect for Law Officer of the Year Award” will be Chattanooga Police Department Investigator Chris Blackburn. Investigator Blackburn will be honored on Thursday at State of Confusion restaurant, 301 E. Main St.
Officials said Investigator Blackburn was selected for this honor due to his exceptional investigative work, particularly during a significant uptick in gang violence between two gangs in 2024. His tenacity and precision in following leads led to multiple high-impact arrests and search warrants that directly disrupted violent gang activity, including members of the Rollin 20 Bloods and 5-4 Crips. His ability to build strong cases using ballistic intelligence and digital evidence has helped prevent further violence, contributing to a measurable reduction in non-fatal shootings and gang-related homicides in Chattanooga. His consistent dedication and results-driven approach exemplify the very best of law enforcement.
The Respect for Law Officer of the Year Award has its roots in a program started in 1965 when former FBI Director, J. Edgar Hoover and International Optimist Club Past International President, Carl Bowen, created the Respect for Law community program. 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. Currently, more than 1,500 Optimist Clubs participate each year in recognizing local law enforcement officers who go above and beyond the call of duty.
Chattanooga Police Chief John Chambers said, “Investigator Chris Blackburn exemplifies the dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to service that define the Chattanooga Police Department. His selection as the Scenic Chattanooga Optimist Club’s Officer of the Year is a well-deserved honor and a reflection of his exceptional work and integrity. I want to sincerely thank the Scenic Chattanooga Optimist Club for recognizing the tireless efforts of our officers and for continuing to highlight the positive impact law enforcement has in our community.”
Ed Colucci, president of the Scenic Chattanooga Optimist Club said, “For nearly 30 years 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 D. Behler, Hamilton County Juvenile Court clerk and chairman of the Scenic Chattanooga Optimist Club Respect for Law Program said, “It has been my distinct honor and privilege to serve as Chairman of the Respect for Law Program for the past 26 years. The challenges faced by our men and women in law enforcement are clearly reflected on a daily basis in our media, both traditional and social. Every citizen of our community owes these public servants a tremendous debt of gratitude for the service they provide and for their willingness to place their lives on the line each and every day.”