News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Fairfield Glade Police Chief Michael Williams has stepped down from his position to pursue a new opportunity with the Tennessee Board of Regents.
Following William’s last day on April 30th, he will take over as TCAT’s Assistant Vice Chancellor/Chief of Police. Williams said he saw himself retiring with Fairfield Glade, but the opportunity was too good.
“It’s been such a wonderful experience, so it’s not been a job,” Williams said. “It’s actually being a part of the community. Not all days are perfect, but my overall experience if I were to give it a rating, I would give it five stars.”
Williams said under his new position, he will work on a new initiative to build a police force over 27 campuses. Williams was appointed to the position by Chancellor Flora Tydings.
“I made the decision probably maybe a week and a half ago,” Williams said. I did take some time to think about it, and once I told them I would accept the opportunity, Chancellor Tydings appointed me.”
Williams served as Fairfield Glade Police Chief for almost seven years. Williams played a large role in transitioning the once public safety department to a full police department. Williams said the force is one of the few that is internationally and state accredited.
“Thanks to some great leadership within the department, we were able to obtain international accreditation through CALEA, and we were also able to obtain state accreditation, as well,” Williams said. “Those are two huge milestones. We’re very proud of that.”
Williams said he is excited to be a part of the beginning stages of TCAT’s police force as well as returning to serving the state. Williams spent the majority of 15 years with the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
