(La VERGNE) Police Chief Burrel “Chip” Davis has been terminated from the La Vergne Police Department, effective Monday, February 6, 2023. Prior to his termination, Davis was put on paid administrative leave Monday morning (2/6/2023) after the City was notified of an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) complaint.

During the course of the investigation into sexual misconduct within the police department, La Vergne city officials hired an outside third-party investigator to look into exactly what Davis knew, and when. The third-party investigator concluded Davis was aware of the sexual misconduct within his department and never reported or disciplined any of the officers involved. The conclusion also states that Davis impeded the initial investigation into sexual misconduct, “contrary to City policy and permitted–if not encouraged–conduct potentially contrary to state and federal law.”

La Vergne Mayor Jason Cole said, “There aren’t words to describe the disappointment and frustration felt by myself and other city leaders. Officers are held to a higher standard, even more so is their chief. We take the health, safety, and wellbeing of every employee at La Vergne extremely seriously and a culture similar to the one uncovered in these investigations is not acceptable. We will continue to do what needs to be done in order to do what’s right for our officers, our city employees, and our community.”

In the meantime, Deputy Chief Brent Hatcher has been named interim chief of police. The city will conduct a nationwide search for a new police chief.