Glenn Scruggs, the executive chief for the Chattanooga Police Department, will retire this month after serving the department for 29 years.
A news release highlighted his role in the department, stating “he has made significant contributions to our success.”
Scruggs began his career with the Police Department as a patrol officer in the public housing unit in 1994 and concluded his service as the executive chief of neighborhood policing and community services.
Scruggs ran for state office in 2020 against Sen. Todd Gardenhire, losing with almost 47% of the votes. The Senate District 10 seat includes portions of Hamilton and Bradley counties, and minority Senate Democrats were hopeful the seat could be flipped.
“It has been the privilege and honor of a lifetime to serve alongside the men and women of this agency for the last 29 years,” Scruggs said in a released statement. “Believe it or not, folks, I have loved every day of it. Even the hard days.”
Scruggs was also among the finalists for the police chief position after former Chief David Roddy announced his retirement in 2021.
(READ MORE: As Chattanooga police chief decision nears, take a closer look at the four candidates)
“As Chief Scruggs embarks on a well-deserved retirement, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for his decades of service and leadership. His extensive experience, exceptional work ethic and mentorship have been invaluable assets to our team,” Chattanooga Police Chief Celeste Murphy said in a statement. “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.”
— Compiled by Kiara Green
Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / Executive Chief Glenn Scruggs speaks during the Crisis Intervention Team graduation ceremony at the Family Justice Center on Aug. 25.