CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) and the
Scenic Chattanooga Optimist Club are proud to announce that this year’s
recipient of the “Respect for Law Officer of the Year Award” will be
Chattanooga Police Department Investigator Chris Blackburn. Investigator
Blackburn will be honored on Thursday, May 29th at State of Confusion
restaurant, 301 E. Main Street, Chattanooga, TN 37408.
Investigator Blackburn was selected for this honor due to his exceptional
investigative work, particularly during a significant uptick in gang
violence between two gangs in 2024. His tenacity and precision in following
leads led to multiple high-impact arrests and search warrants that directly
disrupted violent gang activity, including members of the Rollin 20 Bloods
and 5-4 Crips. His ability to build strong cases using ballistic
intelligence and digital evidence has helped prevent further violence,
contributing to a measurable reduction in non-fatal shootings and
gang-related homicides in Chattanooga. His consistent dedication and
results-driven approach exemplify the very best of law enforcement.
The Respect for Law Officer of the Year Award has its roots in a program
started in 1965 when former FBI Director, J. Edgar Hoover and International
Optimist Club Past International President, Carl Bowen, created the Respect
for Law community program. The program was adopted locally because of the
club’s belief that it is important for our community to recognize the many
positive attributes of local law enforcement personnel who serve and
protect the citizens of Chattanooga and Hamilton County. Currently, more
than 1,500 Optimist Clubs participate each year in recognizing local law
enforcement officers who go above and beyond the call of duty.
Chattanooga Police Chief John Chambers said, “Investigator Chris Blackburn
exemplifies the dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to
service that define the Chattanooga Police Department. His selection as the
Scenic Chattanooga Optimist Club’s Officer of the Year is a well-deserved
honor and a reflection of his exceptional work and integrity. I want to
sincerely thank the Scenic Chattanooga Optimist Club for recognizing the
tireless efforts of our officers and for continuing to highlight the
positive impact law enforcement has in our community.”
Ed Colucci, President of the Scenic Chattanooga Optimist Club stated, “For
nearly 30 years our Optimist Club has participated in the Optimist
International Respect for Law Program. As a community, we are deeply
indebted to those who choose a career of service in law enforcement. These
men and women serve as the front line of protection for all of us, and we
are proud to honor them.”
Gary D. Behler, Hamilton County Juvenile Court Clerk and Chairman of the
Scenic Chattanooga Optimist Club Respect for Law Program said, “It has
been my distinct honor and privilege to serve as Chairman of the Respect
for Law Program for the past twenty-six years. The challenges faced by our
men and women in law enforcement are clearly reflected on a daily basis in
our media, both traditional and social. Every citizen of our community
owes these public servants a tremendous debt of gratitude for the service
they provide and for their willingness to place their lives on the line
each and every day.”
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Note: Investigator Blackburn will be honored on Thursday, May 29th at
11:30 at the State of Confusion, 301 E. Main Street, Chattanooga, TN
37408.
The media is invited and encouraged to attend to cover this auspicious
occasion.
