The Chattanooga Police Department has graduated 32 cadets from its 22-week police academy, marking the largest class in more than a decade.
By operating its own academy, CPD tailors portions of its training to meet the needs of the Chattanooga community while ensuring recruits are prepared to uphold Tennessee law. The program exceeds Tennessee Police Officer Standards and Training requirements and meets Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies standards.
The graduates range in age from 20 to 36. Fourteen are from Chattanooga or Hamilton County, one is from Alaska and 10 have prior military service. The new officers will begin 16 weeks of field training alongside experienced field training officers before transitioning into patrol assignments.
The graduation ceremony was held at the Silverdale Baptist Activities Center.
Fire Academy opens application window
The Chattanooga Fire Department is now accepting applications for its 2027 Fire Academy, with the application window open through May 1.
The department is seeking motivated individuals committed to serving the community as part of a fire service organization with more than 150 years of history in Chattanooga. Officials say the department offers a competitive pay structure, comprehensive benefits and opportunities for a meaningful public service career.
Physical agility testing will take place in May, with specific dates to be announced. The written exam is scheduled for June, with dates forthcoming. Applicants who hold an active EMT certification or an associate’s or bachelor’s degree might qualify to waive the written test but must provide documentation with their application.
The Fire Academy begins Oct. 2, with graduation set for April 1, 2027.
For more information, contact CFDrecruiting@chattanooga.gov.
West Star breaks ground on expansion
West Star Aviation has broken ground on a major expansion at its Chattanooga Airport campus, a project expected to increase the facility to approximately 400,000 square feet by February 2027.
The expansion includes construction of a new 40,000-square-foot Hangar 26, supported by 15,000 square feet of shop and office space, along with enhancements such as climate-controlled storage, upgraded safety systems and an improved customer lounge. The project also adds a 30,000-square-foot, two-story addition to Hangar 27 to expand the aircraft service department, accessories shop, composite shop and sheet metal shop.
Company officials said the expansion is driven by growing customer maintenance demand and is expected to create up to 200 additional skilled jobs over the next five years. The Chattanooga location currently employs more than 500 team members.
West Star Aviation is an independent maintenance, repair and overhaul provider serving business aviation customers nationwide.
CBA launches Military Law Section
The Chattanooga Bar Association has announced the formation of its Veteran and Military Law Section, aimed at supporting and serving the region’s veteran and active-duty military communities through outreach, programming and service initiatives.
Planned efforts include participation in the Armed Forces Day Parade, the Wills for Veterans program, volunteer work with the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center and wreath placements at the Chattanooga National Cemetery. The section also plans collaborative initiatives and educational programming for members.
The association is asking attorneys who are veterans or currently serving in the armed forces to provide updated information by emailing lhood@chattanoogabar.org. Officials noted that the current list of service members was compiled about 10 years ago and might not be complete.
Those previously identified include:
Air Force: Capt. Don Poole, Capt. Scott Winne and Capt. Barton Burns.
Army: Lt. Col. John Barry, Capt. Thomas Smith, Maj. Robert Jeffrey Wolford, Maj. Steven Neff, Lt. Col. Thomas Williams, Capt. Robert Lockaby Jr., Sgt. Estes Cocke, 1st Lt. Herbert Thornbury and Capt. William Godbold.
Navy: Lt. Cmdr. Laura McCann, Cmdr. Betsy McCright, Cmdr. M. Kent Anderson, Lt. Cmdr. Hallie McFadden, Lt. Scott Brown Jr., Lt. Eric Buchanan, Lt. William Colvin, Rear Adm. Vance Fry, Lt. j.g. David Kesler, Torpedoman’s Mate 3rd Class Perry Piper, Lt. j.g. Wayne Thomas and Lt. j.g. R. Larson Mick.
Marine Corps: Col. Wayne Rich Jr.
The section will focus on professional excellence, collegiality and service, while strengthening access to justice and encouraging pro bono engagement within the legal community.
ArtsBuild grant funds apprentices
Scenic City Shakespeare will launch a new student apprentice program this spring thanks to a Cultural Community Connections grant from ArtsBuild.
As the company prepares to open its fifth season of free Shakespeare in the Park at Greenway Farm Park with “Othello,” five middle and high school students will be selected to participate in the inaugural apprenticeship program. The initiative is designed to expand the organization’s capacity to mentor emerging theater professionals and foster a positive culture of learning.
Scenic City Shakespeare presents free outdoor performances twice each year in May and October. This May, “Othello” will be staged at Greenway Farm Park every Friday and Saturday evening.
Through the grant, each apprentice will receive at least six hours of training and a $100 stipend, providing hands-on professional experience for local students interested in classical theater.
Applications will be accepted through Tuesday, March 31. Interviews will take place April 7-10, with offers extended by April 14. Apprentices must be middle or high school students; transportation is not provided and parental permission is required.
For more information or to support the apprentice program, visit sceniccityshakespeare.org.