Tullahoma is honoring retired Police Chief J.C. Ferrell by renaming a portion of Chestnut Alley near the buildings where he spent much of his law-enforcement career.
The stretch behind City Hall and in front of the Police Station will become J.C. Ferrell Way. The city announced the recognition in an Oct. 28 update describing the Board of Mayor and Aldermen’s Oct. 26 action.
Ferrell served with the Tullahoma Police Department from 1972 until 2007, including 18 years as chief. Family members joined him for the recognition, including relatives who also have worked in law enforcement.
The city’s resolution traces a career that began as a patrolman in 1972. Ferrell became detective sergeant in 1974 and detective captain in 1977. In 1987, he was appointed operations division captain, overseeing the investigation and patrol divisions.
He also served two terms as interim chief during the 1980s before being appointed chief in 1989. He retired Sept. 4, 2007.
Resolution 2065 credits Ferrell with helping introduce in-car video and audio recording systems and equipment intended to give officers additional options when responding to dangerous situations.
It also recognizes his service on the boards of the Coffee County Consolidated Communications Center and the Coffee County 911 Emergency Communications District.
The road-name change carries practical steps for the city as well as the honor. The resolution directs that affected address holders, 911 and emergency services be notified.
The new name takes effect when the appropriate street-name signs are posted. The city’s announcement does not specify when that installation will occur.
Image: 931Go illustration honoring the naming of J.C. Ferrell Way. Not a photograph of an installed street sign.
Sources: City of Tullahoma announcement; Resolution 2065, page one; Resolution 2065, page two
