The Lookout Mountain, Ga., police department is now fully staffed with the addition of the new Chief of Police Jason Lewis and Assistant Chief Brian Dedmon. At the March council meeting, Chief Lewis was sworn in with a room full of friends, family, mentors, colleagues from the city of Chattanooga’s police department and his wife, Shelly, who teaches at Fairyland Elementary School. He comes to the mountain after being in the Chattanooga Police Department since 1994, last serving as the assistant chief of criminal investigations and special operations. After the swearing in ceremony, Judge Buddy Pressley welcomed Chief Lewis to the city, telling him that he would not find the same level of intensity that he had in Chattanooga.
Chief Lewis thanked the councilmembers for the opportunity they have given to him. He said “I’m really excited about the job. It is like a light switch - coming up here is amazing!” He also thanked Wes Barrett who has served as the interim chief the past several months, very appreciative of the way he handled the department and for his help and assistance as he transitions into the job. Taylor Watson, the council liaison with the fire and police department, said the city owes Officer Barrett “a massive amount of gratitude for how he stepped up and handled the interim position.”
New Assistant Chief Brian Dedmon brings his experience working with the Catoosa County Fire Department and as a Georgia state trooper. He is certified as both a firefighter and a police officer.
Ongoing operations of the public works will be on brush removal this spring. Residents should remind their contractors that they are responsible for taking away what they cut. If contractors take brush to the street, it will be passed over. Councilman Kevin Leckenby said that requirement can be found in the city’s ordinance.
Potholes should be reported to Mr. Lee, town manager, while the city is repairing the roads. Other projects that the department is working on include painting parking spaces at the Oberon Trail lot. Regarding work being done at the new park area on Red Riding Hood Trail, a small wall has been removed and a water meter has been installed. After a bridge is built, the space will be sodded.
The city’s fleet is repaired and is in working order. Regarding trash, residents are reminded that only household trash should go into the garbage can. Cardboard, glass, plastic and aluminum should be taken to the recycling center in Lookout Mountain, Tenn., and Dumpster Day is available for items that cannot be recycled. The next time the dumpster will be available for residents is April 5. No construction debris will be accepted.
Wes Hasden, chairman of the sewer board, reported that the Chickamauga Trail pump station improvement project has been scheduled. The final design, including the drawings and contract, should be completed. Then, after approval by the state of Georgia, the project will be advertised and put out to bid. By mid-September the site preparation and actual construction will begin and should be finished in mid-March 2026. After inspection, the project will be closed-out in April 2026.
Planning for the 2025-2026 budget will begin this month when the department heads bring their wish lists to the council. The process will also include a workshop and a public hearing. The first reading of the budget will be June 12, and the second reading which finalizes the process, will be sometime between June 16-20.
by Gail Perry
Chief Lewis thanked the councilmembers for the opportunity they have given to him. He said “I’m really excited about the job. It is like a light switch - coming up here is amazing!” He also thanked Wes Barrett who has served as the interim chief the past several months, very appreciative of the way he handled the department and for his help and assistance as he transitions into the job. Taylor Watson, the council liaison with the fire and police department, said the city owes Officer Barrett “a massive amount of gratitude for how he stepped up and handled the interim position.”
New Assistant Chief Brian Dedmon brings his experience working with the Catoosa County Fire Department and as a Georgia state trooper. He is certified as both a firefighter and a police officer.
Ongoing operations of the public works will be on brush removal this spring. Residents should remind their contractors that they are responsible for taking away what they cut. If contractors take brush to the street, it will be passed over. Councilman Kevin Leckenby said that requirement can be found in the city’s ordinance.
Potholes should be reported to Mr. Lee, town manager, while the city is repairing the roads. Other projects that the department is working on include painting parking spaces at the Oberon Trail lot. Regarding work being done at the new park area on Red Riding Hood Trail, a small wall has been removed and a water meter has been installed. After a bridge is built, the space will be sodded.
The city’s fleet is repaired and is in working order. Regarding trash, residents are reminded that only household trash should go into the garbage can. Cardboard, glass, plastic and aluminum should be taken to the recycling center in Lookout Mountain, Tenn., and Dumpster Day is available for items that cannot be recycled. The next time the dumpster will be available for residents is April 5. No construction debris will be accepted.
Wes Hasden, chairman of the sewer board, reported that the Chickamauga Trail pump station improvement project has been scheduled. The final design, including the drawings and contract, should be completed. Then, after approval by the state of Georgia, the project will be advertised and put out to bid. By mid-September the site preparation and actual construction will begin and should be finished in mid-March 2026. After inspection, the project will be closed-out in April 2026.
Planning for the 2025-2026 budget will begin this month when the department heads bring their wish lists to the council. The process will also include a workshop and a public hearing. The first reading of the budget will be June 12, and the second reading which finalizes the process, will be sometime between June 16-20.
by Gail Perry
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