New Sheriff in Town

White to Retire, Bryant to succeed him as Lenoir City Police Chief

Adam Delahoussaye news-herald.net

After 32 years in law enforcement and 19 as the Chief of Police for the Lenoir City Police Department, Don White is now eyeing retirement.

As he started sifting through resumés earlier this year and observing his colleagues in other municipalities’ transitions, it became clear that his duties wouldn’t meet a satisfying end until he could appoint and train a successor under his own guidance.

White wanted someone who could be a smooth switch for both officers and citizens, passing the torch to someone that wouldn’t only bring a career’s worth of expertise but a reverence and pride for the region they’d be serving.

His search ended when White found a former Panther — one who had been around the block and was ready to return home.

CITY COUNCIL UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES BRYANT

C. Bryant, a Lenoir City High School alumnus and former Loudon County resident, was unanimously approved by Lenoir City’s City Council to replace Chief Don White at the end of his tenure. Following an interview with the Personnel Committee earlier that afternoon, and an enthusiastic endorsement from White himself, Bryant received his new title and addressed the local Council members to give his thanks.

Bryant is not necessarily a true outsider. The new Chief spent his first years in law enforcement as a deputy in the Loudon County Sheriff ’s Office before moving to Chattanooga, where he has spent the majority of his tenure. During his 25 years in The Scenic City, he rose through the ranks to become the Executive Chief of Police for their Criminal Investigations and Special Operations Bureau.

Still, Bryant’s address covered the potential concerns that come with a transition of power at this high of a level … especially in smaller communities.

He ensured the Council that his year-long development and training from Chief White, as well as established relationships with White and Lenoir City Mayor Tony Aikens, were the building blocks of an anticipated successful tenure.

“This Council, you deserve commendation,” Bryant said. “Not only for recognizing the importance of succession planning, but also for effectively implementing it in the selection process of your new police chief.”

TIMELINE AND CONCERNS DISCUSSED

According to Mayor Aikens, both White and Bryant will share one year with the same title as Bryant begins to ease into his new role. He said that the Budget Committee has already allocated for both salaries in next year’s plans, and that the process is a common one for executive level positions throughout the city.

Positions like the Finance Director and LCUB’s General Manager both underwent a similar process, Aikens said.

Councilwoman McNabb expressed concerns around Bryant’s age. With 30 years of service under his belt, she stated worries over how long his tenure would be and if his position would be serving the same basic functions as an interim. Although neither Bryant nor his incumbent offered a specific timeline for the remainder of his career, Chief White did state that his replacement expressed no intentions of retiring “anytime soon.”

While Bryant indicated he is ready to hit the ground running, White still has another year to go before he officially retires from his current role. After three decades in the LCPD, the next twelve months are sure to be full of final moments and nostalgia.

White has only ever known one career since he exited the Academy, and giving up that title is not an easy task for him.

“I know this next year is going to be super fast,” White said. “And I will be departing, which is obviously bittersweet for me because all I’ve done is be a police officer.

“It’ll be very strange to leave you all and this home that I have here at City Hall.”

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

While his time in local law enforcement may be coming to an end, White isn’t turning in his badge just yet. This summer, he will assume the presidency of the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police.

The appointment announced during City Council was a family affair for Bryant. His father, Larry, the former associate pastor at Calgary Baptist Church, gave the invocation to begin the meeting. Bryant stated that that evening was the first time he and his father got to share a podium at an event and speak longer than Dad.

His wife, Pamela, was also in attendance.

As is evidenced by the selection process and intense succession plan, heritage was a vital component of the job requirements. Bryant isn’t a traditional outside hire, but he’s still aware that his resumé could raise concern in its lack of internal experience.

He spoke of his exit from Lenoir City, and how the spirit of the town has been harbored in his heart ever since he put wheels up toward Chattanooga in 2000.

“While I may have physically left Lenoir City 25 years ago, my heart has always remained here as evidenced by my longstanding friendships and relationships with many Lenoir Citians to this day.

“I am a proud Panther (the local high school’s mascot), and I will work tirelessly every day to serve this community and lead those who protect it.”