Chief John Drake today announced new MNPD organizational changes and promotions to further bolster the department’s three core pillars of Precision Policing, Community Engagement and Organizational Excellence.
Current Madison Precinct Commander Greg Blair, a 24-year MNPD veteran, is being appointed to the rank of Inspector effective Sunday and will head a new Office of Crime Control Strategies. Blair will work with precinct commanders, crime analysts, detective components and other police department divisions to ensure a coordinated response to emerging and prevalent crime issues. Blair will also lead efforts toward the establishment of a Real Time Crime Center. Blair holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Edinboro University.
“Inspector Blair will be tasked with focusing on a big picture view of crime in Nashville, with an emphasis on violence, and developing and implementing strategies, department-wide if necessary, to further enhance public safety,” Chief Drake said. “In a constantly growing city like ours with more than 500 square miles, it is important that we evolve in our work to identify significant crime issues early and then quickly develop a precision plan to reduce and prevent victimization.”
Succeeding Blair as Madison Precinct Commander will be Josh Blaisdell, a 20-year MNPD veteran who is presently the captain over the Criminal Investigations Division. Blaisdell holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Murray State University.
Lieutenant Brian Anderson, a 19-year MNPD veteran who currently oversees the Central Precinct’s investigations unit, is being promoted to captain effective Sunday and will oversee the Criminal Investigations Division, which includes the Homicide Unit, Cold Case Unit, Fraud Unit and Auto Theft Unit. Anderson holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Middle Tennessee State University.
Chief Drake today also announced the creation of the Police Activities League, which will develop athletic and enrichment programs for Nashville youth in coordination with community groups, Metro Parks and, most importantly, parents.
“The most rewarding position I have held in this police department during my 34-year tenure was as an officer in the 1990s assigned to the Police Athletic League,” Chief Drake said. “We touched the lives of countless young people during those years and were able to offer counsel to parents along the way as well. It is clear to me that Nashville more than ever needs a Police Activities League to help kids stay on track and away from bad influences that can negatively impact their lives for years.”
The Police Athletic League was disbanded in the early 2000s as MNPD leadership at the time moved in a different direction.
Leading the new Police Activities League will be Bonita Blue-DeVault, a 17-year MNPD veteran who is currently a School Resource Sergeant Blue-DeVault holds a Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree from Tennessee State University. Her promotion to Lieutenant is effective Sunday. Joining her will be Officer Natalia Johnson, who has been working on a Police Activities League plan for the past several months through her assignment in the Office of Community Outreach & Partnerships, and Sergeant Brett Kenney, who is transferring from the Central Precinct.
In other promotions effective Sunday, Lieutenant Lee Kendall, a 20-year MNPD veteran, is being promoted to captain/executive officer in the Community Services Bureau, where he is presently assigned. Kendall holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Campbellsville University and a Master’s Degree from Cumberland University.
Lieutenant Mike Buchanan, a 13-year MNPD veteran, is being promoted to captain and will lead the Youth Services Division. Buchanan, who is presently assigned to the Specialized Investigations Division, holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Bethel University. Buchanan is succeeding current Youth Services Captain Jason Proctor, who will fill an existing vacancy and lead Metro Parks’ police component.
Sergeant Derek Smith, a 14-year MNPD veteran, is being promoted to Lieutenant and will take on increasing responsibilities in the Special Events Unit, where he is currently assigned.
Sergeant Derek Keeler, a 16-year MNPD veteran, is being promoted to lieutenant and will lead the Midtown Hills Precinct’s evening shift. Keeler, who is presently assigned to the Office of Community Outreach & Partnerships, holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Trevecca Nazarene University.
“All of the persons being promoted have gone through an independently administered written and oral testing process for their new ranks and have a strong desire to serve Nashville in these leadership roles,” Chief Drake said.