The City of Smyrna has a new Police Chief. Joseph Bennett, who served as Deputy Chief under Lee, assumed the leadership role on the retirement of Chief David Lee. “I truly love this City and all who live, work, and play here. I take my position seriously and will do everything humanly possible to ensure the safety and security of those mentioned,” said Bennett.
Chief Bennett outlined his plans for serving in his new position. “Two of my first initiatives are to use education, technology, and human resources to lower the fatality rates on our local roadways. I also plan to work alongside our Fire Department to create a program that will provide tools and resources for our public safety professionals to increase their resiliency in an effort to help them live a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.”
Joseph Bennett grew up in the Smyrna area where he still resides with his wife Mary, his daughter Kaitlin, and son Joey. He is a graduate of Reinhardt College where he was awarded a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management and Leadership and graduated from Columbus State University with a Master’s Degree in Public Safety Administration. He is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Public Administration from Valdosta State University.
Deputy Chief Bennett is a graduate of the Mercer University Public Safety Leadership Institute, Class 50 of the Georgia Law Enforcement Command College, the 248th Session of the FBI National Academy, and the Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.
Chief Bennett began his tenure with the City of Smyrna Police Department in March of 1995. During his tenure, he has held assignments in various positions within the police department to include Uniform Patrol Division, Community Oriented Policing Unit, Street Crimes Unit, Assistant Commander of the Criminal Investigations Division, E-911 Director, and Commander of the Administrative Services Division. He served as a Marksman on the department’s SWAT Team for 10 years and was the Commander of the Team for three years.
Deputy Chief Bennett was named Optimist International Law Enforcement Officer of the Year in 1997 and was a Cobb Chamber of Commerce Public Safety Recognition Awards Nominee in 2000 and 2015. He currently holds active memberships in the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police, FBI National Academy Associates, and the Georgia 911 Directors Association. Chief Bennett holds Georgia POST certifications as an Intermediate and Advanced Peace Officer as well as Supervisory, Management, and Instructor Certificates. In his off time, he enjoys jogging, biking, and spending time with his family.
