Sergeant Paul Arnold, 61, was born and raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Growing up, the police officers in his hometown captured his attention, his admiration, and his heart. Paul Arnold grew up to be what he said he was going to be: a police officer.
Sergeant Arnold started his law enforcement career in his hometown, as a Chattanooga Police Officer in 1980. His life of law enforcement service led him from there to the United States Marshal Service, the Department of Agriculture, and finally to the Franklin Police Department. His first day in service to Franklin citizens and the Franklin Police Department was January 14, 1991.
In his nearly 29 years of service as one of Franklin’s finest, Sergeant Arnold has served as a Patrol Officer and Patrol Sergeant, leading our first line of defense against crime and criminals. In keeping with his passion for health and fitness, Sergeant Arnold built a strong FPD Physical Fitness Program from the ground up and still helps to manage that program today. Sergeant Arnold serves as the Department’s Armorer and Gunsmith, ensuring that our equipment is, at all times, mission-ready.
In 2017, Sergeant Arnold was awarded the Theodore Roosevelt Association Police Award for his outstanding and praiseworthy service to the Franklin Police Department and community despite his life-altering battle with cancer. Sergeant Arnold and Theodore Roosevelt both overcame odds that were stacked against them to accomplish vigorous and productive lives of public service. Sergeant Arnold is the only Franklin Police Officer to receive this national award.
“The thing I’ll miss most is spending my days with the people I’ve worked with,” said Sergeant Arnold. “It’s those people who make the Franklin Police Department what it is. It’s not the building, or the cars, or anything else … it’s the people. Relationships are what I’ve treasured most throughout my career, and those relationships are what make the Department what it is, and why we’ve been able to accomplish so much.”
When asked what advice or encouragement he would share with his colleagues, Sergeant Arnold said, “Police officers routinely deal with so much bad — so I encourage my contemporaries to strive to find and celebrate something good, every day.” Paul’s admiration for his wife of 31 years, Dawn, and his 94-year-old mom, Kathryn, are apparent to everyone who’s ever met him. “Dawn’s love, and care, and support through the years — especially during this illness, have been immeasurable.”
