Mayor John Cooper announced on Monday (November 30) that longtime Metro Nashville police officer John Drake would be the department's new police chief. Drake has been service as interim chief since former Police Chief Steve Anderson retired earlier this year.
"Nashville wants a chief who can make changes, build trust, and increase safety for all our residents," said Mayor Cooper. "I believe we have found the relationship building we need in John Drake. During his time on the force and as interim chief, he has reached out to neighborhoods and communities across Nashville. He has shown he is committed to collaboration, transparency, and the dignity of every resident."
Drake, a Nashville native, has been an officer with the department since 1988, serving in various roles over his 32 years with MNPD. Prior to serving as interim chief, he was deputy chief to Anderson. He is excited to continue serving Nashville in his newest role.
"I'm deeply honored and absolutely excited," said Chief Drake. "This is my hometown, I love this city, I really care about it."
The Nashville Fraternal Order of Police issued a statement saying they were pleased of Drake's appointment as chief.
"Chief Drake's decades of service to Nashville provides the crucial knowledge needed to effectively lead this police department into the future," the statement read in part. "We look forward to working with him as we strive to provide a safe and peaceful Nashville for all."
He will be sworn in as police chief by Mayor Cooper in a ceremony later this year.
Photo: Metro Nashville Police Department