With 30 years of service in the Chattanooga Police Department under his belt, Assistant Chief Tracy Arnold has announced his intent to retire July 18.
"The relationships I have built because of my service as a Chattanooga police officer are what I am most proud of in my career," he said on his way out of the police service center on Thursday.
For the last three years, Arnold has been the assistant chief for community relations, which he said has been the highlight of his time with the department.
"I have no regrets, and [am] glad I stayed with the department for 30 years," he said. "That's because the best years I've had are the last three serving under the leadership of Chief Fred Fletcher."
Fletcher said Arnold has been a model officer who has thrown himself fully into the work of protecting and serving the Chattanooga community.
"Tracy Arnold represents the ideal in a public servant. He served selflessly in the U.S. Army and Chattanooga Police Department for 30 years with the strength of a warrior and the heart of a guardian, always putting others before himself," Fletcher said.
"He is an exceptional police officer, an even better person, and he is my friend. I will miss serving with him."
In his capacity as assistant chief for community relations, Arnold has worked consistently with Troy Rogers, the city's public safety coordinator, who said Arnold will be sorely missed.
"Since I started, Chief Arnold has been the epitome of excellence. He is a gentleman and a scholar," Rogers wrote in an email. "I have learned so much from him and his gentle spirit is a blessing.
"I have been blessed to be around him and his great professionalism. He will be missed by many, but I still have a plan to keep him involved in the community."
Contact staff writer Emmett Gienapp at egienapp@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6731.