FOR POLICE officer Vincent Cooley, the path to becoming a part of the Tullahoma Police Department (TPD) wasn’t one of chance; it was one of purpose. Cooley said that after a few years serving as a police officer on the East Coast, he wanted a change, not just for himself but for his family.
“I lateraled from Virginia to another agency in Tennessee, and in mid-2023, I took a short hiatus from law enforcement to pursue other ventures,” explained Cooley. “Toward the end of 2024, I felt a strong calling to return to policing, which led to the opportunity to join the Tullahoma Police Department in January 2025.”
Almost a year into his role with the TPD, he’s found exactly what he was looking for: a close-knit community that values connection, respect, and service.
“I love the opportunity to help people,” he said. “It’s different every day. I like being able to give people opportunities to help themselves and show that they can be the change they want to see.”
A CALLING TO SERVE
For this officer, the calling to protect and serve began seven years ago.
Cooley said he began his career working in corrections. Cooley said that his time as a corrections officer helped shape the early portion of his law enforcement experience.
“I started in corrections and felt like, but I wanted to do more for people,” he explained. “In 2018, I got the opportunity to work patrol.”
That move changed everything, giving him a firsthand look at the human side of policing — the challenges, small kindnesses, and quiet victories that make the job worthwhile.
Cooley said he takes pride in connecting with people face-to-face, where he can focus on helping rather than simply enforcing rules.
LEADING BY EXAMPLE
When he arrived in Tullahoma, his leadership skills quickly stood out. As a field training officer, he plays a crucial role in guiding recruits and lateral officers who join the department from other agencies.
“When new people come in, we have a training program that lasts anywhere from six to twelve weeks, sometimes longer,” he said. “I love doing that part of the job. Training and leadership are something near my heart, so when I got the opportunity here in Tullahoma, I jumped on it.”
His approach to training focuses not only on technical skills but also on values such as empathy, professionalism, and communication.
“With laterals, it’s more about showing them how Tullahoma works and operates,” he explained. “We make sure their fundamental knowledge is solid, and then we get them out in the field to see how things work day-to-day.”
For him, teaching is more than instruction. It’s mentorship.
“It’s about helping them find their rhythm, their confidence, and understanding that being an officer isn’t just about enforcing laws,” he said. “It’s about making a difference.”
A COMMUNITY THAT FEELS LIKE HOME
Since joining TPD, he’s grown to love the people and pace of Tullahoma. The city, he said, has welcomed him and his family with open arms.
“I love it,” he said. “It’s a very diverse group of people out here. A lot of people appreciate law enforcement. Even when we’re responding to calls that might be tough, most people are still respectful to police.”
That level of mutual respect stands out to him. It’s a reminder that relationships between officers and the community are built one interaction at a time.
“Even in those moments where someone might be upset or going through something difficult, most of the time, they still show respect. That means a lot,” said Cooley.
When asked what he hopes people understand about law enforcement officers, his answer is simple but powerful.
“We’re humans,” he said. “We’re people, too. We’re no different than them. At the end of the day, this is a job that we signed up to do. It’s never personal. We’re just here to do the job and hopefully have some type of positive impact on people.”
FAMILY, FAITH, AND MOTIVATION
When asked who his heroes are, Cooley said that without a doubt, his wife and two children are his heroes. They are his driving force and the reason he continues to push himself both personally and professionally.
“They changed the direction of my life. It gave me that drive and motivation to be the best I can for them,” he said.
As a father, he hopes that they see more than just the badge, but his character and integrity.
“What I hope they learn from me as a dad, and from seeing me serve the community, is to work hard,” he said. “No matter what it is you do, don’t do the bare minimum. Work hard and do the things you’re supposed to do. Don’t rely on other people; be self-driven.”
PROTECTING AND CONNECTING
In a field that can be both unpredictable and demanding, Cooley finds balance in the relationships he builds and the purpose he carries. Whether it’s training a recruit, responding to an emergency, or simply helping someone get back on their feet, his mission is to protect and to serve with integrity.
“It’s different every day,” he said. “That’s what I love about it. You never know what’s coming, but you do know that you have the chance to help someone. That’s what keeps me going.”
Nearly a year into his time with TPD, he’s already leaving a lasting impression with the department and the community. His journey from Virginia Beach to Tullahoma has been one of growth, service, and heart.
For him, being a police officer isn’t about recognition. It’s about making sure others feel safe, respected, and valued. GN
