Updated with additional background.
CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Police Chief David Crockarell has announced his retirement, effective Feb. 28, 2025, closing out a 30-year career in law enforcement at CPD.
“I have been honored to serve this community, and the men and women of this agency, in several capacities, for nearly three decades – well over half of my life,” Crockarell said in a news release.
“I have had the privilege of being the chief of police of this large agency for several years, and I would like to thank Mayor (Joe) Pitts, the City Council, and the members of this agency for placing their trust in me and my team as we continued to lead the best police department in Tennessee through some tough times, while also taking our agency to the next level,” Crockarell said.
MORE: Police Chief David Crockarell discusses public concerns and accountability, in July 2020
Pandemic, protests, tornado
Crockarell took the role in June 2020, replacing retired chief Al Ansley. Given the timing, Crockarell from the start had to see local law enforcement through some of the most difficult times in the city’s history, including the COVID-19 pandemic just before his swearing-in, and national reaction to the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May.
The latter culminated in a summer of Black Lives Matter protests across the country, including in Clarksville. Clarksville Police were praised for their response, as they worked for three months to safely accommodate protestors along Wilma Rudolph Boulevard, keeping them separate from traffic along the highway.
In December 2023, north Clarksville was hit with a tornado that damaged or destroyed hundreds of homes, calling for a massive CPD response to assist the victims and then protect them and their property with a state of emergency and nightly curfew.
Along the way, CPD earned its fifth consecutive advanced accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). Once again, the department was recognized for high standards in training, internal affairs and citizen’s complaints, response to critical incidents, and traffic operations.
Crockarell, 52, joined CPD in 1995 as a patrolman. In 2006, he was promoted to Tactical Unit commander. He achieved the rank of lieutenant in 2008 and served as training director through 2011. He was District 1 commander from 2011 to 2017 and Special Operations commander in 2017 and 2018. In 2018, Crockarell was promoted to operational deputy chief, and he became chief two years later.
‘Humility, passion to protect’
Pitts said Crockarell has shown great leadership and innovation in guiding CPD through its mission of protecting the citizens.
“The formula for an exceptional city police chief includes equal parts humility, passion to protect and serve, integrity, and strength of character. The sum of those parts and qualities would give you Chief David Crockarell,” Pitts said in the news release. “In 2020, when we were searching for a new chief, the only name that came up during our countless conversations was David Crockarell.
“He has devoted his entire law enforcement career to ensuring the highest standards of police work are met, and the highest quality of people are hired and promoted within the department. Our growing city owes a huge debt of gratitude to Chief David Crockarell, for his selfless service, and to his wife, Lori, for her support of his outstanding service to our City,” Pitts said. “We pray for this new season to be one of fulfillment and health. Chief Crockarell’s boots will be hard to fill,” he said.
Family and fishing
Looking ahead, Chief Crockarell said he plans to spend more time with family, go fishing more and enjoy other hobbies, and continue working in some capacity. “I look forward to seeing what God has in store for me and my wife, Lori. I especially would like to thank Lori for supporting my career and all that is required in doing so, for 25 years,” he said. “I will still continue to work in some capacity, and I know I have a lot to offer. The right door will open and I am excited to see what the future holds,” Crockarell said.
He added that CPD will remain in great hands going forward. “I look forward to seeing what the current leadership accomplishes in the future. They are ready. Lastly, I am proud to be a police officer, and always will be,” Crockarell said.