Cookeville Council honors Police Chief Randy Evans on 41 years of service

The Cookeville City Council on Jan. 16 adopted Resolution R25-0102 honoring Police Chief Randy Evans as he prepares to retire after 41 years with the Cookeville Police Department. The resolution was read aloud by Mayor Wade and approved unanimously by the five-member council.

The resolution notes Evans began his Cookeville career in 1983, advanced through successive promotions and was appointed chief in 2013. It credits him with roles including departmental instructor, SWAT commander and uniform service commander, and notes the police headquarters that opened in 2022. The resolution extends the council’s appreciation and best wishes on behalf of the city and its employees.

Mr. Mills, a city staff member, introduced the resolution and asked the mayor to read it. “Chief Evans has announced his intention to retire with the city of Cookeville after 41 years of service. January 31, 2025 will be his last day as our police chief,” Mills said before the mayor read the full resolution.

Chief Randy Evans addressed the council briefly and acknowledged the department staff. “The real credit goes to all those folks, both past and present, that were there along with me for the ride,” Evans told the council. He said he was “very humbled” by the recognition and thanked the council for the opportunity to serve.

Multiple council members expressed appreciation for Evans’s leadership and lengthy service before voting. Councilman Gilbert made the motion to adopt the resolution, seconded by Councilman Walker; the vote was recorded as unanimous, 5–0.

The resolution takes effect on Jan. 16, 2025. Evans’s final council meeting will be Jan. 31, 2025, his last day as chief.