The Chattanooga Police Department has once again earned accreditation from the Tennessee Law Enforcement Accreditation Program, marking the department’s fourth such recognition. The accreditation, presented Oct. 8 during the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police meeting in Nashville, will remain in effect through April 2028.
To achieve this milestone, CPD demonstrated compliance with 164 professional standards developed by the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police. The standards evaluate an agency’s policies and practices in areas such as organizational structure, operations and budget management. Accreditation requires a voluntary three-year process that includes a comprehensive on-site assessment.
In addition to the state-level accreditation, CPD also maintains national accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), considered the gold standard in public safety accreditation.
The TLEA Program, created by the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police, provides a framework for law enforcement agencies across the state to enhance professionalism and ensure public safety through standardized, effective policies and procedures.
City OKs $1.8M for ladder truck, staffing
The Chattanooga City Council is continuing its efforts to strengthen fire protection in East Brainerd. Council members approved Oct. 7 the Chattanooga Fire Department’s request to purchase a $1.8 million, 107-foot Smeal ladder truck for Station 21 on East Brainerd Road. The council also authorized 15 new firefighter positions to staff the additional truck.
Station 21 currently houses an engine company and a water tanker. The new ladder truck and personnel are funded through the FY26 budget amendment approved by the council last month, which aims to expand coverage and improve emergency response for neighborhoods and businesses in the area.
National Institute of Standards and Technology studies show delayed ladder company arrivals can postpone critical operations – such as search, rescue, ventilation and forcible entry – by up to 15 minutes, increasing risks to both civilians and firefighters. Having Ladder 21 stationed locally closes that emergency coverage gap.
The International Association of Fire Fighters recommends at least two ladder companies respond on initial alarms for high-hazard occupancies, including schools, hospitals and multi-family residences. Adding Ladder 21 brings the city’s coverage closer to those national standards.
The fire department will use an existing reserve ladder truck at Station 21 until the new vehicle arrives. Officials expect Ladder 21 to be in place and operational by the end of the month.
Soddy-Daisy joins Hamilton County 9-1-1
The city of Soddy-Daisy is consolidating its emergency communications operations with the Hamilton County 9-1-1 Emergency Communications District. The Soddy-Daisy Commission approved the move on Sept. 18, with the transition set to take effect Wednesday Oct. 29.
“Consolidating our emergency communications with Hamilton County 9-1-1 is the best decision operationally and financially for the citizens of Soddy-Daisy,” said City Manager Burt Johnson.
The city’s current 9-1-1 center employs six telecommunicators and would have needed to add two to four more at an additional annual cost of $350,000, plus $300,000 or more in technology upgrades every three to five years. Those funds can now be redirected to other city needs.
Hamilton County 9-1-1 Executive Director Jeff Carney said the partnership will strengthen emergency response countywide.
“By bringing Soddy-Daisy into the district’s framework, we can provide cutting-edge technology, consistent training and seamless interoperability for all first responders.”
Soddy-Daisy Police Chief Claude Petty said the change will allow the department to enhance officer safety and speed up emergency response times, particularly for medical emergencies. Fire Chief William Morgan added that the move will improve interoperability with surrounding agencies and give the department access to a more robust and secure radio system.
Employees transitioning from Soddy-Daisy 9-1-1 to the county’s system will keep their current pay and hire dates, gain additional personal leave and maintain their shifts. They will also receive nationally recognized training and gain access to expanded career paths in leadership, technology and training.