In a leadership transition, Mt. Juliet Police Chief Michael Mullins has been promoted to serve as the City’s next Deputy City Manager. Chief Mullins will replace longtime Deputy City Manager Sheila Luckett, who is retiring after over 36 years of distinguished, selfless service to the City of Mt. Juliet.
Chief Mullins will begin working immediately alongside Mrs. Luckett to ensure a smooth transition.
As Chief Mullins moves into his new city leadership role, Deputy Chief of Police Tyler Chandler was sworn in on Oct. 27 as Mt. Juliet’s 8th Chief of Police. Mayor James Maness administered the oath of office in a ceremony held at City Hall. City Manager Kenny Martin announced the transition at today’s ribbon-cutting of the new police headquarters.
Chief Chandler brings more than 21 years of experience to the role and has been a dedicated member of the department’s Command Staff for over 11 years. A true homegrown leader, Chandler’s journey with the department began when he joined the first-ever MJPD Cadet Program at age 14. Once he turned 18, he was serving the department full-time.
Throughout his career, Chief Chandler has led key divisions within the department, including community engagement, administrative services, and executive operations. He has been instrumental in driving innovation and public safety initiatives, helping to establish Mt. Juliet as one of the most technologically advanced law enforcement agencies in the region.
Under his leadership, the department launched critical programs such as body-worn cameras, license plate reader technology, public information, community text alerts, and enhanced communications tools. He also served as project manager for the city’s new 45,000-square-foot police headquarters.
Chief Chandler is known for his commitment to servant leadership, transparency, and strengthening community relationships. Beyond his work in law enforcement, he is an adjunct professor at Trevecca Nazarene University, a Wilson County Commissioner for District 10, a board member of the Mt. Juliet Senior Activity Center, and a Rotarian.
Raised in Mt. Juliet, Chief Chandler holds a Master of Organizational Leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and public administration from Bethel University. He is a graduate of Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command and has received multiple accolades throughout his career, including two Sgt. Jerry Munndy Officer of the Year, Chief Commendation, a lifesaving award.
“Public safety is the bedrock of any thriving community, and I’m proud to serve in a city where our mayor, commissioners, and city manager truly understand and support that. They back the men and women of MJPD with a healthy respect and appreciation for the noble work they do every day—and every night—to keep our city safe and to do it the right way,” said Chief Chandler. “Mt. Juliet is my home, I love this career, and at heart, I’m a police officer —and that means you’ll still see me out in the field ever so often. That part’s not changing. This city has given so much to me, and I’m committed to giving my very best in return.”
Mt. Juliet consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in Tennessee, a distinction made possible through strong leadership, dedicated officers, and a supportive community. As Mt. Juliet continues to grow and evolve, this new chapter in leadership reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to exceptional service and strong community partnerships.
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