The Search is on for someone to replace Chief Fred Fletcher

“I have made the decision to retire after a great deal of introspection,” Chief Fred Fletcher.

Last Week, Chattanooga police Chief Fred Fletcher announced that he plans to retire once his contract with the city ends in July … Chief Fletcher has been applauded by officials for the work that he has done since stepping into the position back in 2014….

Sheriff Jim Hammond said “After spending 30 minutes with Fred, I felt like he was one of us.”

District 1 City Councilman Chip Henderson said “Chief Fletcher is one of the smartest police professionals that I have ever met.”

Now, the search begins for someone to step into the shoes that Chief Fletcher has filled for the past few years… The search is just beginning, but many hope that the next police chief will be someone local ….

Sheriff Hammond said “There are some well qualified men and women both in the Chattanooga Police Department and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department and in the municipalities around here that certainly have the credentials that they should be considered.”

Chip Henderson said “You know one of the things that I have spoke with Chief Fletcher about when he came 3 years ago was the possibility of developing talent from within. He said his goal would be to train his replacement, so I think we have that potential, and I think what we are looking for is someone that does fit very well into the community that can begin from day 1 making those connections.”

No names have emerged yet as possible replacements for Chief Fletcher. News 12 will keep you up to date as the search progresses.