Chief John Drake this afternoon announced the appointment of two new deputy chiefs, one inspector and one commander, along with the promotion of three new captains and three new lieutenants.
“These 10 talented persons assuming new leadership roles effective May 1 have a combined 191 years of service to Nashville and are absolutely committed to being part of enhancing public safety across our city,” Chief Drake said.
The deputy chief vacancies were created by the retirements of Kay Lokey after 25 years of service, and Chris Taylor after 30 years of service. Filling those two positions are:
Mike Alexander, a 31-year Nashville Police veteran, who will now lead the department’s Investigative Services Bureau. Alexander for the past several years has led the department’s Specialized Investigations Division of undercover detectives and, prior to that, was commander of the South Precinct. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Middle Tennessee State University.
Greg Blair, a 24-year Nashville Police veteran, who will now lead the department’s Crime Control Strategies Office. Blair most recently was an inspector in the Crime Control Strategies component and is a former commander of the Madison Precinct and a former Director of Training. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Edinboro University.
Appointed to the rank of inspector is:
Virginia Carrigan, a 16-year Nashville Police veteran, who will now oversee the department’s Training, Recruiting and Human Resources operations. Carrigan most recently served as commander of the East Precinct and, prior to that, led the department’s Sex Crimes Unit. Carrigan holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Cumberland University.
Appointed to the rank of commander and succeeding Carrigan at the East Precinct is:
Harold Burke, a 24-year Nashville Police veteran, who most recently headed the department’s Special Operations Division (Aviation, Canine & Mounted Patrol). As a captain, Burke also served as the executive officer in the Community Services Bureau. Burke holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Brockport State University.
The three lieutenants being promoted to the rank of captain are:
Steve Duncan, a 24-year Nashville Police veteran, who is joining the Crime Control Strategies Office. Duncan most recently served as a supervisor in the Specialized Investigations Division. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Middle Tennessee State University.
Johnnie Melzoni, a 22-year Nashville Police veteran, who will lead the Special Victims Division (succeeding Captain Greg Davis who is transferring to the Special Operations Division). Melzoni most recently served as a supervisor in the Youth Services Division. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Middle Tennessee State University.
Sean Richmond, a 13-year Nashville Police veteran, who will lead the Youth Services Division (succeeding Captain Mike Buchanan who is transferring to the Specialized Investigations Division). Richmond most recently served as a supervisor at the training academy. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Cincinnati and a Master’s Degree from Argosy University.
The three sergeants being promoted to the rank of lieutenant are:
Justin Franklin, a 9-year Nashville Police veteran, who will lead the East Precinct’s overnight shift. Franklin most recently served as a Body Worn Camera supervisor. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Purdue University.
Michelle Hammond, a 17-year Nashville Police veteran, who will lead the North Precinct’s evening shift. Hammond most recently served as a supervisor in the Youth Services Division. She holds Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from the University of Missouri and a Law Degree from the Nashville School of Law.
John Patton, an 11-year Nashville Police veteran, who will now lead the East Precinct’s evening shift. Patton most recently served as an overnight supervisor at the East Precinct. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Belmont University.