CPD Chief Celeste Murphy Announces Resignation: 'I'm Grateful for the Opportunity to Serve!'

Chattanooga Police Chief Celeste Murphy sent her resignation to Mayor Tim Kelly Wednesday morning.

This comes amid an ongoing state investigation.

Just two years ago, she took office as the first black woman to hold the title of police chief.

Mayor Tim Kelly says he has accepted his resignation letter and says it is effective immediately.

Chief Murphy is a 25-year law enforcement veteran. She worked for the Atlanta Police Department for more than two decades.

“I told Mayor Kelly I was a winner and I really meant it,” said Chief Celeste Murphy of the Chattanooga Police Department. “We will have many successes, but even if we fail to achieve certain goals, we will continue. Challenge builds strength, it humbles.”

Here is Murphy’s full resignation letter:

The town hall did not explain the reasons for his resignation. Mayor Kelly said only that he respected her desire to protect the integrity of the police department.

Looking back on Murphy’s career in Chattanooga, speculation arose when the TBI opened a case against her calling into question her whereabouts. As a chef, she must live in Chattanooga.

She said she owned property in Atlanta but did not live there full time. The case remains open.

“It all came down to the judgment used in each of these cases, whether it was really serious or not,” Murphy explained previously.

Before that, she reassigned 15 officers when questions were raised about their veracity. The city reached a settlement with the officers, saying those charges had been resolved.

Mayor Kelly recognized Murphy’s contributions to the city.

He says that under his leadership, crime in Chattanooga has declined and the solved homicide rate is now 90 percent, double the national average.

The mayor forms a committee to find the next police chief.

Councilwoman Raquetta Dotley will lead the board, made up of residents, faith leaders and other police officers.

Stay with the Local 3 News app for updates on this developing story.