Chief of Police
Mike Walker
email: mwalker@lavergnetn.gov
Mike Walker has been appointed as the Chief of Police for La Vergne. The Chief of
Police is responsible for the oversight of the patrol division, the criminal
investigation division, and the narcotics/gang unit. The department is
responsible for hundreds of cases per year including ranging from traffic
violations to the more serious crimes of domestic and sexual abuse, robberies,
burglaries and thefts, assault and other serious crimes.
In September of 2010, Walker retired as the Colonel from the Tennessee Highway Patrol
after 33 years of service. As the top officer of the state police, he managed 899
sworn troops and 125 civilians. In addition, Walker was responsible for preparing
and managing annual budgets in excess of $100 million on behalf of the THP.
Walker installed the troopers' creed and seven values expected of the officers, a
document that mirrors the law enforcement code of ethics. Also under Walker’s watch
as Colonel, the hiring and promotional processes of the THP were revamped to remove
political influence and the THP partnered with local, state, and federal law
enforcement officials to share vital resources and information.
"During my tenure at the Tennessee Highway Patrol, it was imperative that each
member do one thing at the end of each shift," said Walker. "That was to
go home. Officer safety was imperative."
In addition, Walker implemented the federally mandated commercial drivers' license
issuance for the state of Tennessee, recognized then as a model program by the Federal
Highway Administration. Outside of his police work, he helped to build a new volunteer
fire department for the city of Dunlap outside of Chattanooga.
When the Olympics were held in Atlanta in 1996, Walker was in charge of security for
the canoe and kayak events. He was sworn in as a Georgia State Lieutenant so he could
formally escort the athletes to Atlanta for the Opening Ceremony. Walker also handled
security during Tennessee’s Bicentennial where Tennessee Treasures were displayed
across the state. Most recently Walker was the Public Works Director for the city of
La Vergne.
Walker, his wife Vicki, and their children have lived in La Vergne since 2003. He
accepted the position because he felt he could make a positive difference in the
community. He quoted CHiPS actor Robert Pine, "What we do for ourselves dies
with us. What we do for others in the world remains, and is immortal."
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