Clarksville welcomes new Police Chief Ty Burdine as David Crockarell retires | PHOTOS

CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Clarksville Police Department’s new chief Charles Tyson “Ty” Burdine, was sworn in as the city’s 18th police chief on Friday. The ceremony was hosted at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center and attended by city officials, officers, family members and more.

Retiring Chief David Crockarell said, “Ty Burdine is our man. The mayor did his due diligence, and he landed on the best candidate, with the council unanimously approving that.” He added, “I’m just so glad for this department and so proud of you.”

Mayor Joe Pitts spoke about Burdine’s leadership qualities and the overwhelming support he received from his colleagues. “During the past few months, I’ve talked to about 100 officers and others who work for the department, asking them, ‘We’re going to have a new chief – who should it be?’” Pitts said. “Gotta admit, I’m a little jealous because unanimously it was Ty Burdine.”

Chief Burdine thanked those who shaped his career. “There’s been so many people who’ve come up to support me, say good things about me, and write articles, and I just need to give credit where credit’s due. … Any good traits from me are just fruit from me knowing God.

“It’s truly a privilege and honor to be selected to lead an agency I care deeply about,” Burdine said.

After taking the oath of office, Burdine’s family had the honor of pinning his badge. In his closing remarks, Burdine spoke about leading with integrity.

“I want nothing more than for our department to be trusted and legitimate in the eyes of the community,” he said. “I want to lead an agency that not only our employees are proud of, but their moms, their dads, their sons, daughters, cousins and aunts are proud to be a part of as well. I commit to the city that I will give my all. I will lead by example, with humility, and seek to continue to hire good humans, stand for what is right, and never compromise on integrity.”

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