Sparta Opens Application Process for New Police Chief

Sparta’s Board of Mayor and Alderman officially began the search process Thursday for the city’s next police chief.

Current Chief Jeff Guth publicly announced his retirement this week after a 33-year career in law enforcement.

Mayor Jeff Young commended Guth for his efforts with the city over the last two-plus decades.

“We’re going to have [Guth] for a little while longer, until Aug 31… Chief Guth has served the city of Sparta very well,” Young said. “He’s been an absolute pleasure for us to work with. He’s done a fabulous job and built a good department. Those guys have worked really hard to serve our community well and I commend each and every one of them.”

Young said the city will have the Tennessee Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS) and Police Consultant Rex Barton assist in finding the city’s next police chief.

Guth was not in attendance for Thursday’s meeting and was attending a police chief conference in Franklin. He said earlier this week that he made the decision to retire to spend more time with family.