UTC Police Department

Today, Chief O’Brien, Deputy Chief Holzmacher, Director Fuchs, TAC Roth, and Cpl. Bayer stopped by Hamilton County 911 Emergency Communications District to thank the telecommunicators who serve Hamilton County and support UTC Police Department and UTC Department of Public Safety during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week 2026.

We recognize the critical role they play behind the scenes, answering the call when it matters most!

This week we proudly recognize our UTC Police Department Communication Officers during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week 2026.

As the first point of contact for our community, they provide essential support, coordination, and calm in both routine and emergency situations.

We are grateful each and every day for their dedicated service to our community!

The UTC Police Department and UTC Department of Public Safety mourn the tragic loss of Hamilton County Sheriff's Office - TN Deputy Landon Faulkner. Deputy Faulkner served the citizens of Hamilton County with honor, dedication, and a commitment to protecting our community.

We extend our deepest condolences to Deputy Faulkner’s family and friends, and all of our colleagues at HCSO during this incredibly difficult time.

We are honored to announce that the UTC Police Department has been recognized by the Chattanooga Police Department as the Law Enforcement Partner of the Year for 2025.

This award reflects the strong working relationship between our departments and our shared commitment to the safety of The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and the Chattanooga community. Whether responding to incidents, exchanging information, or supporting one another through joint training, our agencies work together in service to our community. This award is a testament to the professionalism, collaboration, and dedication of the men and women of both departments.

We are grateful for our continued partnership with CPD. Together, we are committed to keeping our community safe.

The UTC Police Department and UTC Department of Public Safety mourn the tragic loss of Hamilton County Sheriff's Office - TN Deputy Caleb LeBruno, who was killed in an off-duty accident on March 4, 2026. We extend our deepest condolences to Deputy LeBruno’s family and all of our colleagues at HCSO during this incredibly difficult time.

It is with great sadness that Sheriff Austin Garrett, Chief Deputy Spencer Daniels, and the men and women of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office announce the death of Deputy Caleb LeBruno, who was killed in an off-duty motorcycle crash in Chattanooga on March 4, 2026.

Deputy LeBruno began his career as a Dispatcher for the Sequatchie County 911 Center. In 2020, he joined the Grundy County Sheriff's Office as a deputy before transferring to the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office in 2022, where he served in Uniform Services.

Please join us in keeping Deputy LeBruno's family, friends, and colleagues in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.

Public Safety Advisory: Sextortion Scams

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Police Department (UTCPD) is warning students about a growing sextortion scam targeting college students through dating apps and social media. Over the past year, UTCPD has investigated several cases involving this scheme, with incidents ranging in severity.

How the Scam Works
-Unknown individuals connect with students on dating apps or social media.
-They build a false sense of trust and engage in online relationships.
-Once explicit images or videos are exchanged, the suspect demands money or more images, threatening to release the content publicly if the victim refuses.

For more information, visit utc.edu/alert

UTC-ALERT: UTC will resume normal operations on 1/27/2026. See UTC email or utc.edu/alert for more information.

UTC-ALERT: Due to hazardous conditions in outlying areas and higher elevations, campus operations will be modified for 1/26/26. See UTC email or utc.edu/alert for details.

UTC-ALERT: Due to anticipated hazardous weather, campus operations will be modified for 1/24/26 and 1/25/26. See UTC email or utc.edu/alert for details.

UTC Community:

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) is actively monitoring the incoming winter weather forecasted for our region. We are closely tracking conditions using information from the National Weather Service (NWS) and our on-campus weather monitoring systems, while coordinating with the Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management (HCOEM), the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), and other local and state partners.

At this time, there are no changes to University operations. Current forecasts for the Chattanooga area indicate precipitation will be primarily rain; earlier models had suggested the potential for freezing rain, sleet, or snow. As weather conditions and forecasts continue to evolve, DPS will continue to assess potential impacts. An update will be provided by the end of the day tomorrow, Friday, January 23, 2026. As always, any decisions will prioritize the safety of our students, employees, and affiliates.

Thank you for your patience as we continue to monitor the situation.

Message issued on 1/22/2026 at 5:00 PM