Chattanooga Police Chief David Roddy on Thursday announced several changes to the department's executive staff, bumping Eric Tucker to deputy chief and promoting officers Glenn Scruggs and Jason Irvin to assistant chief positions.
The executive staff of the department is made up of the chief of police, deputy chief and four assistant chiefs, each of whom head separate bureaus: special operations, neighborhood policing, department and community services, and criminal investigations.
Tucker is taking the No. 2 spot after serving for years as the assistant chief of the neighborhood policing bureau, according to a news release. He will now report directly to the police chief and assume his duties in Roddy's absence.
"I look forward to serving the citizens of Chattanooga in my new role as deputy chief. It is a privilege to work with the men and women of the Chattanooga Police Department who are dedicated to service to the community," Tucker said.
Scruggs and Irvin are the only new faces among the department's top brass and they will head the neighborhood policing bureau and special operations bureau, respectively. Both were captains before the promotion.
"I am honored and thankful for the opportunities this new position brings," Scruggs said. "I look forward to the challenges of learning a new role. I've always loved serving this community; this new role in our leadership team gives me the chance to have a more profound impact on that mission."
Neighborhood policing is the largest department bureau with 200 patrol officers answering calls made to 911 while working with community members to develop solutions to crime. Special operations includes technical services, the training division, traffic unit and SWAT, among other things.
"It is a great honor to be chosen as part of the Chattanooga Police Department's executive staff. I'm humbled and excited for the opportunity to serve the citizens of our city as the assistant chief over special operations," Irvin said.
Remaining on the executive staff will be Assistant Chiefs Danna Vaughn and Edwin McPherson. Vaughn was previously over the special operations bureau, but will now take over department and community services. McPherson will remain in his position over criminal investigations.
"I have personally worked with each of these officers and witnessed their dedication and selfless service to our community," Roddy said in a statement.
"Together, they have over 125 years of law enforcement experience and more importantly, lifetimes of relationships built in our city. It is my honor to work with them day-to-day as we continue to keep our community safe."
Contact staff writer Emmett Gienapp at egienapp@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6731. Follow him on Twitter @emmettgienapp.