NASHVILLE - State officials announced Wednesday that Gov. Bill Lee has appointed Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger and two other new members to fill vacancies on the Tennessee Homeland Security Council.
Also named were Cookeville Mayor Ricky Shelton and Metro Nashville Airport Public Safety Department police Chief David Griswold, according to a release from the Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
"The insight and knowledge of these three selectees will be a great benefit in helping keep our homeland safe for the citizens of Tennessee," said Safety Commissioner Jeff Long.
The council, created by executive order in 2003, is tasked with working with the Tennessee Office of Homeland Security in planning and directing statewide homeland security activities and interacting with federal and local officials in promoting security interests.
According to Long's office, the characteristics and professional qualifications of the three appointees "were exceptional."
Contact Andy Sher at asher@timesfreepress.com or 615-255-0550. Follow him on Twitter @AndySher1.