CLARKSVILLE, Tenn (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Tuesday, June 30, at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center, officer David Crockarell was sworn-in as Chief of the Clarksville Police Department.

Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts administered the Oath of Office to Crockarell

“David Crockarell, make no mistake, will be an outstanding leader for the Clarksville Police department. He will build on the legacy of those who have mentored him and influenced his leadership,” said Pitts in his opening remarks. “He is officers first, David second. He is a leader who will put the needs of the department above his own and defend, advocate, and push for excellence in this department. He will accept nothing less than the best. That is David Crockarell.”

Crockarell, 48, joined the Clarksville Police Department in 1995 as a patrolman and steadily rose through the ranks as an investigator, and later as a patrol sergeant for seven years. In 2006 he was promoted to Tactical Unit Commander. He achieved the rank of lieutenant in 2008 and served as Training Director through 2011.

Promoted again to captain, Crockarell served as District One Commander from 2011 to 2017 and as Special Operations Commander in 2017 and 2018. In August 2018, Crockarell was promoted to Operational Deputy Chief, in command of all Policing Districts, the Special Operations Unit, the Traffic and Special Events Unit and the Community Relations Unit.

Following Crockarell’s address, now retired Police Chief Al Ansley was presented with his service revolver, a plaque, and a Mayor’s Reminder Coin and a proclamation by the State of Tennessee thanking him for his service.

“One of the first decisions I made as chief, and there were a lot, was to put [Crockarell] on the train… He is a born leader, and ready to do what is necessary to address the needs of this department and to ensure public trust. I have watched him. I promoted him to deputy chief almost two years ago, and I have watched him.. The man is a born leader. You absolutely made the right decision,” said Ansley.

“Your officers are professional, well trained and committed to this community. With that being said, there’s still a lot of work to do. There needs to be an understanding between law enforcement and the community we serve. I did engage in community outreach, but I know know I should have done more. There also needs to be a commitment from our citizens to understand what we do and how we do it,” he continued.

Police Chief Ansley’s retirement marks the end of a 33 year career with the department, 13 years of which were spent as chief. His retirement official went into effect at midnight on June 30, 2020.

For more information on the Clarksville Police Department, visit them at their website or on Facebook.