The Memphis Police Department has announced the retirement of its Deputy Chief of Special Operations, Stephen Chandler, marking the end of an era for a veteran officer with over three decades of experience. Chandler, who began his tenure with the MPD as a police service technician in the Traffic Bureau on July 15, 1991, will be stepping down from his role, though his last day in the position has yet to be revealed.

During his impressive tenure, Chandler occupied several key positions within the department, working as a helicopter pilot for the Aviation Unit before climbing the ranks to sergeant in 2003, as confirmed by Action News 5. His ascension continued as he advanced to lieutenant for Air Support, then major for MPD’s Felony Response and Real-Time Crime Center, before taking command as the officer of the North Main Precinct in 2021.

Stephen Chandler was named the deputy chief of the Special Operations Division on February 18, 2023, a division that oversees MPD’s Organized Crime Unit, Special Events Office, Traffic Division, and Specialized Services. His leadership was not limited to administrative roles, as Chandler has been the voice of the department in several high-profile incidents, such as the May 2023 shooting at a local television station on Highland, according to details shared by WREG.

While serving as interim, the Memphis Police Department told FOX13, "At this time, he is still employed with the Memphis Police Department." Details about his official last day and his successor have not been spelled out. The city of Memphis and the MPD are yet to announce who will fill the sizable shoes left behind by Deputy Chief Chandler.