Kingsport Police Chief Dale Phipps is planning to retire from law enforcement after nearly 37 years with the department.

Though Phipps made the decision with his family in mind - especially his eight grandchildren - the timing for retirement just felt right to him.

“The department is in a good place, morale-wise and culture-wise and we’re almost to full capacity,” Phipps said. “It’s time now to hand the keys off to someone who might have bigger and better ideas than I do.”

Phipps, who turns 62 in October, originally hails from Bristol and after graduating from college enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he served for four years. After getting out of the military, Phipps joined the Kingsport Police Department as a patrolman in September 1988.

“I went into the military to get experience because back in those days, police jobs were not as abundant. You had to have experience to get into a police department anywhere and I didn’t have any,” Phipps said. “When I came out of the military, fortunately for me it opened some doors. Kingsport was in the process of hiring, the city was doing some annexations and needed officers.”

Phipps began his career in Kingsport as a patrolman, served a short stint in the Professional Standards Unit and then over the years rose through the ranks serving in the DARE program, performing public relations work, advancing from Corporal, Sergeant (in vice and narcotics) and then Lieutenant.

After graduating the FBI National Academy in March 2007, Phipps was promoted to Deputy Chief in May, then ultimately being named as the 15th Chief of Police in March 2021.

During Phipps’ career, many things have changed within the police environment - uniform styles are different, officers’ appearances have relaxed, and the family environment has been furthered.

“One of my focuses when I came in was to be open, transparent and approachable, by even the newest officer in the department,” Phipps said. “I think we have formatted an environment where even the newest guy feels comfortable approaching us.”

Some of the noteworthy accomplishments during Phipps tenure as Chief, include staffing SROs at every Kingsport school, hiring a second homeless outreach liaison and the department being reaccredited with zero findings.

“Going through the cycle with zero findings? That to me speaks volumes about the men and women who work here and the policies we have in place,” Phipps said.

Phipps plans to officially retire on June 27. He and his wife plan to stay in the area, do some traveling across the country and dedicate more time to their three daughters and eight grandchildren.

“My family has unfortunately taken a back seat to this job. I’ve missed a lot of birthdays, holidays and family gatherings, so it’s time to dedicate myself back to them,” Phipps said. “If I had to pick a word for my career, it would be “blessed.” The Lord has given me a lot of opportunities through this department and this city. I have had a full career and I’m most thankful for that.”