Lenoir City Council approves lateral hire for police department

Lenoir City officials voted to hire Dean Moriah as a lateral officer for the Lenoir City Police Department, approving his personnel terms and confirming he is available to begin work immediately.

Police Chief Brian told the council that Moriah applied to the Lenoir City Police Department and is a nearly 12-year law enforcement veteran with most of his service at two municipal agencies in Florida and recent work with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office. "He has some pretty great credentials and I think would be a great addition to our police department," Chief Brian said, noting Moriah holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and would be treated as a lateral hire.

The personnel committee reviewed the application and recommended the hire. Committee member S5 (who reported the committee’s 5 p.m. review) moved to approve the hire; the motion was seconded (noted in the record as Mister Simpson). Council members clarified the employment package—two weeks' vacation and 10 sick days—and asked whether the candidate would require academy training. Chief Brian confirmed Moriah "will not have to go through a police academy" and has completed Tennessee transition training during prior employment.

The council recorded aye votes from multiple members during roll call, with named confirmations in the minutes including Shields and Brandon; the motion carried and the hire was approved. Following the vote Chief Brian and others thanked the council.

The council also discussed related personnel-item logistics: the committee’s recommendation was based on an interview conducted the prior week, and Chief Brian said the department would rely on Moriah’s prior training for onboarding. No salaries or start date beyond "immediately available" were recorded in the discussion.