Joe Casey

Joe D. Casey, retired police chief for Metro Nashville, died Aug. 1, 2022 at the age of 96. Casey was a member of the Nashville Police Department for nearly 38 years, beginning as a patrolman in November 1951. He rose through the ranks to become acting chief of police in November 1973 and then the permanent chief in May the following year. He retired in July 1989. A native Nashvillian, Casey started several MNPD traditions such as the annual Christmas Basket program that provided gifts of food and toys for needy families and support of Special Olympics programs. In addition to his role with MNPD, Casey served as president of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) in 1987 and as president of the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police (TACP) from 1976 until 1982. TACP bestows an award named after Casey to active and retired chiefs in recognition of outstanding character and service.