Chief Announces Appointment of 3 New Precinct Commanders and Promotion of 3 Lieutenants to Captain

Chief John Drake today announced the appointment of 3 new precinct commanders effective February 16, the promotion of 3 lieutenants to the rank of captain, and the assignment of 4 existing captains to new supervisory roles.

Virginia Carrigan, a 15-year MNPD veteran, has been appointed Commander of the East Precinct. Carrigan most recently oversaw the department’s Youth Services Division and the Sex Crimes Unit. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Cumberland University. Carrigan succeeds David Imhof who, as previously announced, has been appointed to the rank of Inspector and heads the newly created Office of Alternative Policing Strategies.

Randy Hickerson, a 32-year MNPD veteran, has been appointed Commander of the Hermitage Precinct. Hickerson most recently oversaw the department’s Warrants Division. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from MTSU. Hickerson succeeds Preston Brandimore, who is now the captain over the Warrants Division.

Jason Starling, a 23-year MNPD veteran, has been appointed Commander of the Central Precinct. Starling most recently oversaw the department’s Criminal Investigations Division. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Starling succeeds Gordon Howey, who is now the captain over Metro Parks Police.

Lieutenants being promoted to captain are:

Rickey Bearden, a 12-year MNPD veteran, who will lead the department’s Domestic Violence Division. Bearden most recently worked in the Office of Community Outreach & Partnerships. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Tennessee State University and a Master’s Degree from Cumberland University. Bearden succeeds Josh Blaisdell, who is now the captain over the Criminal Investigations Division.

Jason Proctor, a 20-year MNPD veteran, who will lead the Youth Services Division. Proctor most recently was a supervisor in the Custom Services Division where he oversaw School Resource Officers. Proctor holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Belmont University and a Master’s Degree from the University of Nevada.

Dayton Wheeler, a 11-year MNPD veteran, who will direct operations at the Records Division. Wheeler most recently was a TITANS component supervisor in the Specialized Investigations Division. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from MTSU. Wheeler succeeds Daniel Newbern, who is now the captain over the department’s Human Resources Division.

Virginia Carrigan