The Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) is gearing up to bid a fond farewell to one of its longest-serving and esteemed members, Executive Chief Glenn Scruggs. Scruggs, who has dedicated 29 years of his life to the CPD, is set to retire this October.
Chief Scruggs began his career with the CPD in 1994 as a patrol officer in the public housing unit. His commitment and dedication saw him rise through the ranks to become the executive chief of Neighborhood Policing and Community Services.
CPD Chief Celeste Murphy expressed heartfelt gratitude for Chief Scruggs’s exceptional service and leadership.
“As Chief Scruggs embarks on a well-deserved retirement, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for his decades of service and leadership,” she said. “His extensive experience, exceptional work ethic, and mentorship have been invaluable assets to our team. Warmest wishes to him and his family as he starts a new phase in life. He has truly left this department in a better place for future leaders to follow.”
In response to his upcoming retirement, Chief Scruggs reflected on his illustrious career. “This October will close out my career as a member of the Chattanooga Police Department,” he stated. “It has been the privilege and an honor of a lifetime to serve alongside the men and women of the CPD for the last 29 years. I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has mentored and supported me along this fabulous journey. Serving this community has been a joy.”
In 2020, Chief Scruggs entered politics by running for state office against Sen. Todd Gardenhire. He won nearly 47% of the vote, but narrowly missed representing Senate District 10 (which includes portions of Hamilton and Bradley counties). Senate Democrats had hoped to flip the seat with his candidacy.
In 2021, he was a finalist for the position of police chief following Chief David Roddy’s retirement announcement.
Chief Scruggs, a Chattanooga native, received a bachelor’s degree from Belhaven University in 2019. Throughout his career, he held various positions within the CPD, including serving as an assistant chief of police. He is a member of the Greek-letter fraternity Omega Psi Phi.