With Chattanooga police Chief Freeman Cooper retiring this week, Mayor Ron Littlefield is set to give the City Council two options: Hand the chief a three-year contract for six-figures each year or hire Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Hammond for $1 annually.
“I’m dead serious about it,” said the two-term mayor, who has stated his ultimate goal is to consolidate the city and county law enforcement agencies.
Councilman Russell Gilbert, who voted last week against the contract for Chief Cooper in a 4-4 deadlock, said the mayor might think hiring Sheriff Hammond is an option, but the council likely will disagree.
“I doubt very seriously we would consider that,” Mr. Gilbert said Saturday. “Bottom line is, we have to approve it, regardless of what he thinks.”
Mr. Littlefield has said having Chief Cooper on board, with his three years’ experience as head of the department, would help smooth out a merger of city and county law enforcement agencies. The mayor, who leaves office in 2013 and is prohibited from seeking a third consecutive term, has identified consolidation of city and county government a priority before he leaves office.