CHIEF PAUL JACKSON

Paul Jackson was born on October 20, 1937 in Cookeville Tennessee. He attended Cookeville City School from 1944-1951, Park View Elementary School from 1952-1953 and then Central High School from 1954-1955. Paul worked at the Princess Theater and then went into the United States Army from 1961-1963. Paul then began his public service carreer by working at the Cookeville Fire Department from 1958-1960. Paul then became employed with the Cookeville Police Department in 1960. Paul rose through the ranks in the police department and became Chief of Police in 1978 and held this position until retiring in 1994. Chief Jackson said that in the 1960's there were 6 officers, 3 on each shift, working 12 hour shifts. There was 1 police cruiser that patrolled the streets while the other 2 officers walked their beat. There were no police radios. The city boundaries were South Walnut Avenue to Stevens Street, The Town Square, North Washington to 10th Street, Spring Street to the East Triangle and the West Triangle. According to Chief Jackson, the most populated area was South Walnut to Stevens Street. This area was patrolled by foot. The Cookeville Depot was still active and brought much business to Cookeville. When Interstate 40 was completed in the late 60's to early 70's, Cookeville florished as a city. Chief Jackson has seen much change, not just in Cookeville, but the police department as well.