CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) today
announced appointments to its executive leadership team, marking a
significant step in Chief John Chambers’ vision to strengthen the
department’s internal leadership, enhance public safety operations, and
continue its commitment to community-oriented policing. Chief Chambers has
chosen five proven leaders who have extensive experience in policing and
public service.
Chief Chambers has appointed the following leaders to the CPD Executive
Command Staff:
Toby Hewitt, appointed as Deputy Chief: Toby is second in command and
will assume the Chief’s duties in his absence. His responsibilities include
developing and implementing policies, personnel management and allocation,
and fiscal planning. He began his CPD career in 2000.
Danny Jones, appointed as Assistant Chief of Neighborhood Policing
Bureau: Danny will oversee the department’s largest bureau, which
encompasses patrol functions and works to build and maintain positive
relationships between police and the community. He was hired by CPD in 2003.
Rusty Morrison, appointed as Assistant Chief of Special Operations:
Rusty will be responsible for training/recruiting, traffic operations,
tactical operations, community outreach, and technical support for the
department. His career with CPD began in 2002.
Kevin Trussell, appointed as Assistant Chief of Investigations: Kevin
will be responsible for overseeing all investigative services. This
includes organized crime, violent crime, property crimes, intelligence,
Real Time Intelligence Center, and the Family Justice Center. He became a
CPD Officer in 2002.
David Young, appointed as Division Chief of the Professional Standards
Division: In this role, David will lead the unit responsible for
investigating misconduct complaints, ensuring the department’s compliance
with established policies and procedures, and overseeing the accreditation
process. Additionally, he will have oversight of the Human Resources
Director and Recruiting Coordinator, a new responsibility within this
position. He began his CPD career in 2003.
“These selections come after a comprehensive and rigorous process and
reflect my commitment to be a department that is purpose-driven,
people-focused, and mission-oriented,” said Chief John Chambers at a
pinning ceremony today. “Each of these individuals brings a wealth of
experience, accountability, and integrity as well as a deep commitment to
building relationships with the community we serve.”
The selection process took approximately six months to identify the most
qualified and capable leaders for these important roles. The appointments
for Deputy Chief and Division Chief were open exclusively to internal
candidates, while the three Assistant Chief positions were filled through a
nationwide search.
This national search attracted 50 applicants, including 10 internal
candidates. A comprehensive, multi-step evaluation process led by the
Chief’s Leadership Council, Deputy Chief Hewitt, and Chief Chambers
narrowed the pool to eight finalists—two external and six internal
candidates. The final interviews were conducted by Chief Chambers resulting
in all appointees being internal candidates.
Deputy Chief Hewitt was appointed in late 2024; the other appointments go
into effect on April 18th, 2025.
Bios for each of the new appointees will be available on chattanooga.gov in
the coming weeks.
L to R: AC Kevin Trussell, AC Danny Jones, Dep Chief Toby Hewitt, Chief
John Chambers, AC Rusty Morrison, Div Chief David Young
