Staff Photo by Olivia Ross / Family, friends and officials gathered to celebrate Celeste Murphy's new position as Chattanooga's chief of police on April 8, 2022.Celeste Murphy took the oath of office Friday afternoon, becoming the first Black woman to lead the Chattanooga Police Department.
"This is really happening, this is the last part, right?" the newly minted chief quipped as she took the podium to thank Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly and members of the City Council for entrusting her to lead the city's police department.
Murphy was welcomed by a standing ovation and cheers as she entered the Tivoli Theatre with a bright smile.
"I've had a lot of obstacles," Murphy said. "But I never gave up."
Murphy's selection came after a nearly six-month nationwide search in which the mayor invited his constituents to chime in on what qualities and priorities the next police chief should have. Kelly said only one applicant was the right choice to lead the department.
"One leader stood above the rest as the best choice for Chattanooga. Clearly above the rest," Kelly said during his opening remarks. "That's why I selected Celeste Murphy, and I am so grateful to the City Council for the unanimous confirmation."
Murphy was approved by the City Council on March 15, two weeks after Kelly announced her as his choice for the position.
Murphy's mother, Crystal Murphy, and four sons attended the ceremony. General Sessions Court Judge Gerald Webb administered the ceremonial oath of office.
Officers with the Atlanta Police Department, where Murphy had most recently served as deputy chief, were also present at the ceremony, in addition to area leaders, members of the community and groups of people who had traveled from Murphy's home state of New York to witness the historic moment.
Natalie Ammons, Georgia chapter president of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, presented Murphy with an achievement award.
"She is a source of inspiration and a mentor," Ammons said. "Celeste has accomplished so many firsts in her career, and here we are to witness her being sworn as the first woman police chief."
Ammons went on to say that Murphy brings passion and commitment to her work and is committed to justice by action.
Atlanta Police Chief Rodney Bryant congratulated Murphy in her new role, as well as congratulated the city of Chattanooga on its new police chief.
"Celeste has a strong level of commitment to work," Bryant said. "It was not unusual for me to come through that office on a Saturday or on a Sunday or after hours and see Celeste there getting the tasks completed."
Bryant went on to say that Murphy was essential to getting some of the complicated work done. She served in many roles.
"We generally moved Celeste because, however complicated the job was, we knew Celeste would be perfect for [it]," Bryant said.
Adding accolades, as well as telling Chattanoogans what they could expect from their new chief of police, DeKalb County (Georgia) Sheriff Melody Maddox said Murphy is dedicated and loves her job.
"Chief Murphy didn't come to seek titles and to make history," Maddox said. "You can't serve people if you don't love people, and Chief Murphy loves her job and loves the people she serves. You are really getting a phenomenal chief."
Murphy closed the event by saying she looks forward to building a stronger relationship between the department and the community.
"We will be the model that sets the standard for all other cities in having a robust police/community relationship," Murphy told the members of her new department. "I am going to fight for everything you need to be effective to the residents of Chattanooga. If you take care of Chattanooga, I will take care of you. I will stand up for you."
Contact La Shawn Pagán at lpagan@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6476. Follow her on Twitter @LaShawnPagan.