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City Manager Cathy Ball announced today that Bill Church has been named Johnson City’s newest Police Chief. Church has held the position in an interim capacity since Feb. 24.

A 29-year veteran of the Johnson City Police Department, Chief Church was promoted to operations major last June. Prior to that, he served as captain of Platoon 3. He has also served as a public safety officer, criminal investigator, sergeant and lieutenant.

“Chief’s experience and character represent what this Police Department means to our community,” Ball said. “He is trustworthy, proactive, and respects the law and rights of citizens equally. He’s an excellent leader who cares deeply about this community.”

Chief Church holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Bethel University. He is a graduate of both the Southeast Command and Leadership Academy and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy. In addition, Chief Church has completed the Tennessee Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar and multiple Municipal Management Academy trainings.

“This honor is really due to the officers I’ve worked with past and present,” Chief Church said. “My supervisors and mentors have prepared me for leadership roles, and those I serve with today are the reason our department is able to serve our community well. I’m just incredibly grateful to all of them as well as city administration for this opportunity.”

Chief Church cites retention and recruitment, citywide strategies to reduce crime, and an emphasis on community policing as his top priorities.

“Our Police Department has been headed in the right direction under the leadership of Chief Church, and this selection serves as a vote of confidence in the tremendous work those men and women are doing,” Ball said. “I look forward to his continued leadership and the great things to come in public safety.”