Paris, Tenn.—At Thursday night’s Paris City Commission meeting, new Police Chief Ricky Watson was formally welcomed in that position while the recent retirement of long-time Chief Chuck Elizondo was recognized.
Elizondo was awarded the Mayor’s Tower of Excellence Award for his nearly 43 years of service. He was also presented his badge and as a gift from the City of Paris he was presented his service weapon.
Chief Watson officially took over as Chief earlier this week. He has been a lifelong resident of Paris where he resides with his wife of 30 years, Felicia. They have one son Dalton and his wife Lacy. Dalton is also in law enforcment serving as a Sheriff’s Deputy for the Henry County Sheriff’s Office. Chief Watson has two grandchildren Noah and Lydia.
Chief Watson began working with the Paris Police Department in November, 1999 as a patrol officer after serving with the Henry County Sheriff’s Department for three years prior. Since joining the department he has served as a patrol officer, a K-9 Handler for 7 years, Criminal Investigator, member and later officer of the Metro Crime Unit. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2015 and again promoted to Captain of Operations in 2017.
Commissioners heard the annual audit report from Mark Wood of Arnold Thompson Arnold, which showed no findings.
In other business:
Commissioners approved conveyance of property to Paul Harber, as recommended by the planning commission. Harber owns two parcels of property lying on either side of the west end of an undeveloped alley running between Guthrie Rd. and Mimosa Dr. He has requested the city convey the property to him so he can divide the parcels into three for further residential development.
Commissioners sent a request to the planning commission to rezone county owned property on Hwy. 218 bypass. The planning commission will issue a recommendation and send it back to the city for action.
Photo: Retired Chief Elizondo, right, receives award from Mayor Carlton Gerrell. (Jennifer Morris photo).