Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly and Deputy Chief Eric Tucker on Thursday mourned the loss of Freeman Cooper, who served as chief of the Chattanooga Police Department until he retired in 2010.
“Chief Freeman Cooper was a solid leader who believed in the mission of the Chattanooga Police Department,” said Deputy Chief Tucker, who served alongside Chief Cooper. “I considered him not just a leader of our department but a mentor and friend. He will be remembered fondly and sadly missed.”
Chief Cooper joined CPD in 1982. During his career in Chattanooga he worked in patrol, internal affairs and training, commanded a zone and a sector, and was promoted to executive chief in 2004 before being appointed as chief of the department in 2007.
“My thoughts are with Chief Cooper’s family and loved ones, as well as with the entire Chattanooga Police Department during this difficult time,” said Mayor Kelly. “We’re all sad to lose such a dedicated public servant who gave 28 years of his life to keep our city safe. He will be missed.”
