JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
Cory Cleek of Marion County has officially been hired into his former position as the Whitwell Police Department Chief during the community’s recent city meeting.
The Board of Mayor & Commissioners in Whitwell made the motion to hire Cleek full time as the city’s newest police chief following a discussion about who would be hired for the position. The decision was ultimately made to rehire Cleek due to his previous experience serving as the chief of police in Whitwell. Debate initially circulated whether to hire him or two additional candidates who’ve applied for the position before the official vote passed.
Cleek explained how he previously served as the police chief back in 2021 to 2023. He stepped down from the title to join Tennessee’s 12th Judicial Drug Task Force. David Boyd was hired to take his position at the time. However, upon the position being opened for application following Boyd’s recent termination, Cleek decided to apply for his former position while serving as interim chief.
“I’m glad to be back and I’m looking forward to continue building the department,” said Cleek.
Cory kick-started his return to the department by sharing September’s police reports to the city board, which ranged from responding to 145 calls and 14 offense reports, to four crashes and 48 community assists. Cory is happy to once again serve the community, as he is now ready to help lead the police department for years to come.