KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The Knoxville Police Department on Wednesday honored one of their leaders who is set to retire after serving for more than three decades.
Assistant Chief Mark Fortner will retire at the end of January after 31 years on the force. The department hosted a ceremony for the longtime officer at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium.
“I fell relieved that I survived 31 years. I was honored to be here for 31 years and serve the people of the City of Knoxville and I hope I made a difference in at least a few lives,” Fortner said. “And again, I just feel honored to have worked here as long as I did. I’m ready to go home.”
Fortner graduated from the police academy in 1993 and advanced through the ranks to become a lieutenant in 2005. He was named an executive officer under Chief Eve Thomas in 2020.
Police Chief Paul Noel promoted Fortner to Assistant Chief in December 2021.
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