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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."