McGhee named Rocky Top deputy chief
Danielle McGhee pins the deputy chief’s stars on the uni- form of her husband, Rocky Top Police Lt. Matt McGhee, in front of the City Council and others during last Thursday night’s council meeting at City Hall. On the left are Mayor Kerry Templin and Councilman Zack Green. On the right at her desk is City Recorder Amanda Daugherty. (photo:G. Chambers Williams III )
Thomas made the announcement of McGhee’s appointment during last Thursday’s City Council meeting.
McGhee will continue to hold the rank of lieutenant, but will also carry the deputy chief title, Thomas said.
He replaces Greg Woods, who retired recently after 31 years of service with the Rocky Top Police Department.
During the council meeting, McGhee’s wife, Danielle, pinned the deputy chief stars on his uniform as the council members watched.
Thomas himself just joined the department in September as the new chief, replacing James “Jim” Shetterly Jr., who retired after 37 years on the force. He had served as chief since 1992.
City Manager Michael Ellis said McGhee’s appointment to the deputy chief position was solely Thomas’ decision to make.
Also during the Jan. 18 council meeting, Thomas told the council members that the Police Department has three new officers coming on board by early February, which will bring the department to its full authorized number of officers.
That will allow the department to resume around-the-clock operations.
For the past several months, with the department understaffed, the Anderson County and Campbell County sheriff’s offices have been answering police calls in their respective portions of Rocky Top during the hours of 2 to 6 a.m.
“We will be able to cover the city full-time now,” Thomas said.