Mayor Tim Kelly said that as a dedicated Chattanooga Police Department veteran, John Chambers brings expertise, deep community connections, and a track record of integrity to lead the department into its next chapter.
Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly on last Friday selected department veteran and current Assistant Chief John Chambers to be the Chattanooga Police Department’s next Chief of Police.
The appointment caps a two-month selection process that whittled a competitive field of applicants for a job that drew national interest and a pool of talented, external and internal candidates. Following interviews with the two finalists on last Thursday, Chambers emerged as the clear choice–earning unanimous support from the Mayor’s Advisory Committee.
“I am proud to announce that I have selected CPD’s own John Chambers to serve as Chattanooga’s next Chief of Police,” said Mayor Kelly. “Throughout this search, we put a premium on our core policing values: community engagement, neighborhood policing, gun violence prevention, mental health crisis co-response, professional development and recruiting. Those values led us right to Chief Chambers, who performed exceptionally at every step of the interview process. He’s a consistent, accountable leader with a great heart for all of Chattanooga’s residents and he’ll continue CPD’s progress while maintaining the department’s remarkable record of fighting crime.
“I’m honored and humbled to assume this new position and excited to continue serving alongside the men and women of CPD as we carry out our commitment to partner with the community, to keep all of our residents safe, and to serve,” said Assistant Chief Chambers. “I am eager to work in unity with each of Chattanooga’s diverse communities to overcome the challenges from our past and to continue forging a new path forward together.”
“Serving as the Chair of the Public Safety Committee carries the weight of former Chief Celeste Murphy’s departure and the impact it had on our community,” said Chattanooga City Council Public Safety Chairwoman Raquetta Dotley. “It was imperative that this process included community input, and it did. As the Chairwoman for the Advisory Panel, I experienced the collaboration and community focus throughout the process and know that the ultimate goal of doing what is best for all Chattanoogans stayed front-and-center. Mayor Kelly made the right pick, and I am confident that John Chambers will bring the leadership, expertise, and innovative approach needed to advance our police department’s goals and serve our community well.”
“John has been an integral part of our police department for over 25 years, I am confident that under his leadership, the CPD will continue to make significant strides in community policing and public safety,” said retired CPD Executive Chief Glenn Scruggs.
“I believe Chattanooga is poised to be the greatest midsize city in this nation. We have experienced remarkable growth. I believe it is time for us to hire a committed Chattanoogan who will strengthen the morale of our Police Department and lift our community into a place of hope, peace, and unity. I believe John Chambers is the leader we need and the one that the public will trust and support wholeheartedly,” said Bishop Kevin Wallace. Chambers’ appointment is pending confirmation by the Chattanooga City Council and will be put forward for their consideration in September.