Chattanooga Police Department Graduates 19 New Cadets, One Returns to
Chattanooga Fire Department as Fire Investigator
Chattanooga, TN – The Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) is proud to
announce the graduation of 19 cadets from its 22-week training academy. The
dedicated group of cadets successfully completed an intensive program that
included cultural diversity, firearms proficiency, constitutional law, and
more to prepare them for their roles as Chattanooga Police Officers.
Among the 19 graduates, 10 began their CPD career journey in the newly
established Early Hire Program. The program allows for recruits who meet
the hiring criteria to start immediately serving in non-sworn roles,
supporting various departments within our agency before the next academy
officially begins. The Early Hire Program also helps prepare the soon-to-be
cadets for the upcoming academy, enhancing their fitness and gaining
valuable experience in the day-to-day operations of the CPD.
“I am incredibly proud of all of the cadets, their determination, and
achievements,” said Chief John Chambers. “I’m also impressed with the
support they’ve provided one another during the tougher times of their 22
weeks together. It is a testament to the selflessness and compassion that
they already have which, I expect, we’ll see when they respond to the needs
of our community members in crisis.”
One of the graduates, however, will not join the CPD but will return to the
Chattanooga Fire Department (CFD) as its newest investigator in the Fire
Investigations Division. CFD investigators are experienced firefighters who
initially completed their department’s academy when starting their careers.
However, to become investigators, they must also complete the police
academy. This is because they conduct investigations, interview suspects,
have full arrest powers, and are armed.
The 18 CPD cadets will now transition to 16 weeks of field training where
they will continue to develop their skills under the guidance of
experienced CPD officers.
Congratulations to CPD Class 2024-2!
Interested in the CPD Early Hire Program or becoming a Chattanooga Police
Officer? Email CPDRecruiting@chattanooga.gov.