Kevin West, longtime Chattanooga broadcaster, named police public affairs director

Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / Retired U.S. Navy Capt. and guest speaker Kevin West addresses the crowd during the Memorial Day program at the Chattanooga National Cemetery on May 30, 2022. West, a longtime radio broadcaster in Chattanooga, has been named the director of public affairs for the Chattanooga Police Department. Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / Retired U.S. Navy Capt. and guest speaker Kevin West addresses the crowd during the Memorial Day program at the Chattanooga National Cemetery on May 30, 2022. West, a longtime radio broadcaster in Chattanooga, has been named the director of public affairs for the Chattanooga Police Department.

By Ellen Gerst July 14, 2023 2 min read

Kevin West, a longtime Chattanooga radio broadcaster, is set to join the Chattanooga Police Department as its new director of public affairs, the department said in a news release Friday.

West is slated to start Tuesday after announcing his retirement from broadcasting in June. He was appointed to the position by Chief Celeste Murphy, according to the release.

“Communication is absolutely vital to law enforcement efforts in the 21st century — communication with the public through traditional media, social media and community engagements,” Murphy said in the release. “And just as important is communication with our sworn officers and professional staff in the department. We are one Chattanooga, and I am thrilled to have someone with Kevin’s experience leading our Police Department communications team.”

As director of public affairs, West will oversee the department’s social media and communications with the press and public.