Newly Appointed Chief of Police, Deborah Faulkner

FRANKLIN –On Friday, September 12, Franklin City Administrator Eric Stuckey named Interim Chief of Police Deborah Faulkner, Chief of Police. Faulkner was hired in June 2014 as Deputy Chief.  Later, in July, she was named Interim Police Chief.  Faulkner was the top pick from more than 70 applicants for Deputy Chief. 

 “In her time as Interim Police Chief, she has exemplified leadership, professionalism, and a passion for the City of Franklin.  The department and the community have responded positively to her leadership and vision for a high-performing, high-service, professional police agency,” said Eric Stuckey.  “While I have consistently chosen to run a national search for department director vacancies in the past, it is my judgment that appointing Chief Faulkner at this time is clearly in the best interests of the community and our city organization.  This provides an important opportunity to build on the significant positive momentum around the department’s direction under Chief Faulkner’s leadership. Chief Faulkner’s more than 30 years law enforcement experience at both the state and local level; her education, including both a master’s degree and a doctorate; and her deep connection to the Franklin community uniquely qualify her to serve as our Police Chief. ”

Chief Faulkner brings great experience and vast education to the Franklin Police Chief’s office.  She has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Memphis, a master’s in Criminal Justice from Middle Tennessee State University, and, a doctorate in Human Development Counseling from Vanderbilt University. 

She most recently served as Tennessee’s first Inspector General for more than 10 years.  In this role she identified, investigated and prosecuted persons who committed fraud against TennCare.  Faulkner is a retired Metropolitan Nashville police officer. Throughout her 31 years of service with Metro, she moved up through the ranks, and retired as Deputy Chief of Police.  She is a graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy and is past president of the Tennessee Chapter of the FBI National Academy Associates.

“I am deeply honored and thrilled to be appointed as Chief of Police of the Franklin Police Department,” said Chief Faulkner.  “This is a great department with outstanding men and women who work hard every day to make Franklin safe.  I love this city, and I want the citizens to feel that every time we touch their lives, they feel great about their police department.”

Chief Faulkner has long been involved in the community.  She is the past president of Fifty Forward board, YWCA and the Susan G. Komen Nashville Affiliate.  She has also served on the boards of the Girl Scouts, Goodwill, Catholic Charities, CABLE, and Building Lives of Vets.  Deb is a recipient of the Athena Award, and she was also inducted into the Academy for Women of Achievement.  She received the Girl Scout’s Volunteer Award, CABLE’s Spirit of Leadership Award, the Molly Todd Cup, and the Fifty Forward Harriet Foley Leadership Award.

Release by Milissa Reierson, City of Franklin