Huntingdon director of public safety retires after 17 years
HUNTINGDON, Tenn. — A changing of the guard takes place in Huntingdon as Director of Public Safety Joe Parker retires after decades of service. Parker has run the city’s fire and police departments for the last 17 years . “Years back, you’re always looking forward to that date, and then when that date gets close, it’s kind of like, ‘oh really,'” Parker said Monday. Through more than 30 years in law enforcement, Parker says his focus has always been to be a good influence for at-risk children. “Knowing that some kid turned themselves around would be the most important thing,” Parker said. In January, the city of Huntingdon decided Lt. Walter Smothers would be the new director of public safety. He told WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News he could not have had a better example to learn from. “Joe Parker is a man that has integrity at the highest level, and I intend to maintain the integrity that he had in this office,” Smothers said Monday. Smothers said he plans to continue the good relationship the fire and police departments have with the community. “I want to provide more services than they are now, to improve things for the citizens as well as for the people that work here in these departments,” Smothers said. As for Parker, he said he is not sure what is next. “I really don’t know,” Parker said. “I’m just kind of going to let the Lord lead me, go out and try and take it a day at a time.” Parker said he hopes to spend more time with his six grandchildren in retirement. Tuesday marks Smothers’ first day in charge.
