Gatlinburg Police Department

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Gatlinburg Police Department

GATLINBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT

09/23/2026

🚧 LANE CLOSURES DUE TO PAVING ON CHEROKEE ORCHARD ROAD ON SEPT. 24 🚧

The City of Gatlinburg Street Department will conduct paving operations on a portion of Cherokee Orchard Road on Thursday, September 24.

Crews will perform paving work on Cherokee Orchard Road from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park boundary to the intersection of Park Vista Road. Temporary lane closures will be in effect throughout the work area while paving operations are underway.

Traffic will be maintained through the work zone; however, motorists should expect delays and allow additional travel time. Drivers are urged to use caution, reduce their speed and remain alert for City employees, construction equipment and changing traffic patterns.

The City of Gatlinburg appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as crews complete this roadway improvement work.

09/21/2026

🏆 🎉 GATLINBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT CRUISER NAMED TENNESSEE’S BEST-LOOKING OVERALL 🏆 🎉

The Gatlinburg Police Department’s newly redesigned patrol cruiser has been named the Overall Winner of the Tennessee Highway Safety Office’s (THSO) 2026 Best-Looking Cruiser Award following an online public vote.

Gatlinburg received the most public support among participating law enforcement agencies across Tennessee, earning the statewide overall honor after first taking top honors in the award’s 46–75 Officers Category. Unlike other Law Enforcement Challenge categories, which recognize agencies for traffic safety activities and initiatives, the Best-Looking Cruiser Award was determined by online public voting.

“This is a tremendous honor for the Gatlinburg Police Department, and we appreciate everyone who took the time to support us and vote for our cruiser,” Gatlinburg Police Chief Ronnie Barrett said. “When we introduced this design last year, our goal was to create something that was professional and highly visible while also being unmistakably Gatlinburg. To see that design receive this kind of response from the public and be voted the best-looking cruiser in Tennessee is something our entire department can take pride in.”

The Gatlinburg Police Department unveiled its new patrol vehicle graphics in October 2025. The graphics were designed by Patrol Officer Dylan Bowen, who developed the concept to give the Department’s cruisers a distinctive appearance that represents both the Gatlinburg Police Department and the community its officers serve. The design incorporates imagery closely associated with Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains, including a mountain skyline and black bear silhouette. Those elements are paired with prominent “Gatlinburg Police” lettering to create a design that is distinctly Gatlinburg while maintaining the visibility and professional appearance expected of a modern law enforcement vehicle.

The new graphics are being phased into the Department’s fleet as patrol vehicles are replaced and updated.

“This recognition is a great source of pride not only for the Gatlinburg Police Department, but for the entire City of Gatlinburg,” City Manager Greg Patterson said. “The Police Department represents this community every day, and these cruisers have become another reflection of the pride our employees take in serving Gatlinburg. Having the public select it for this statewide honor makes the recognition even more special.”

The Tennessee Highway Safety Office announced the award recipients last week in conjunction with the 38th Annual Tennessee Lifesavers Conference in Nashville.

The THSO is a division of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security and works with law enforcement agencies and other partners throughout Tennessee to promote traffic safety and reduce roadway crashes and fatalities.

09/15/2026

Trucks require much more stopping distance than an average passenger vehicle. Never cut them off after passing. Stay out of those “No-Zones” as much as possible, and get back into the truck driver’s visibility range as soon as it’s safe to do so.

09/08/2026

Summer heat can weaken tire strength, leading to a flat or worse, a blowout. Inflate tires only to the pressure recommended by the manufacturer, NOT the number molded onto the tire sidewall — that number is the MAXIMUM pressure that the tire can hold. Overinflating is dangerous too!

09/03/2026

The Gatlinburg Police Department is accepting applications for Dispatcher/Jailer.

SALARY AND BENEFITS: The current starting pay for a dispatcher/jailer is $56,636.00.

Included in the benefits package are: 100 percent employer-paid medical, dental, long-term disability and life insurance. Employees who also choose family health insurance coverage have approximately two-thirds of this cost covered by the City.

The City of Gatlinburg also participates in the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS).

Full-time, classified employees of the City are granted 12 paid holidays a year and earn vacation time and 12 sick days per year. The City also offers a paid parental leave program and a wellness program.

Also, each December, City Employees are awarded an annual longevity bonus, based on the years of service.

🚨 APPLY ONLINE 🚨 https://www.gatlinburgtn.gov/o/gatlinburg/page/apply-for-a-job

09/02/2026

🚔 WELCOME TO OFFICER STELLA! 🚔

The Gatlinburg Police Department is proud to welcome Officer Stephen Stella to its ranks! Officer Stella was officially sworn in this afternoon, taking the oath to serve and protect the residents, businesses and millions of visitors who make Gatlinburg such a special place.

We are excited to have Officer Stella join the Gatlinburg Police Department and wish him a safe and successful career serving our community.

Please join us in welcoming Officer Stephen Stella! 👮‍♂️

08/31/2026

The Gatlinburg Police Department is accepting applications for Police Officer.

SALARY AND BENEFITS: The current starting pay for a Police Officer is $66,509.04. Upon successful completion of the Police Academy, newly sworn Officers advance to $69,107.04.

Included in the benefits package are: 100 percent employer-paid medical, dental, long-term disability and life insurance. Employees who also choose family health insurance coverage have approximately two-thirds of this cost covered by the City.

The City of Gatlinburg also participates in the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS).

Full-time, classified employees of the City are granted 12 paid holidays a year and earn vacation time and 12 sick days per year. The City also offers a paid parental leave program and a wellness program.

Also, each December, City Employees are awarded an annual longevity bonus, based on the years of service.

Additionally, Gatlinburg Police Department Officers are eligible for Educational Incentive Bonuses. The Gatlinburg Police Department provides all uniforms and equipment.

Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications must pass a physical agility test, background verification, written test, and a personnel assessment.

🚨 APPLY ONLINE 🚨 https://www.gatlinburgtn.gov/o/gatlinburg/page/apply-for-a-job

Job posting closes at 4 p.m. on September 15, 2026.

08/24/2026

The Gatlinburg Police Department recently took part in Emergency Vehicle Operations Course training, which allowed our officers to sharpen their skills to operate their vehicles safely and effectively in various situations.

This training allowed officers to practice vehicle operation in a variety of situations, with an emphasis on navigating real-world conditions.

Training opportunities like this is an important part of the Gatlinburg Police Department’s continued commitment to professionalism, preparedness, and public safety! 🚔

08/19/2026

🚧 TRAFFIC ADVISORY – ROCKY TOP SPORTS WORLD AT EAST PARKWAY TO HIGWAY 441 PARKWAY AT AIRPORT ROAD 🚧

There will be a Jeep Caravan of approximately 150 Jeeps leaving from Rocky Top Sports World on East Parkway at 1 pm today.

From there, they will go up the Parkway-Highway 441 to Traffic Light No. 8 to Airport Road, and then onto the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.

Please exercise caution in the area and prepare for possible short delays.

08/17/2026

It’s illegal in all 50 states to pass a school bus when the stop arm is out with flashing red lights. Always come to a complete stop for school buses when the stop arm is extended, and keep an eye out for kids getting on and off or crossing the street. It only takes a second to make a big difference.

Address

Knoxville, TN

Telephone

+18654365181

Website

http://gatlinburgtn.gov/

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