SWEETWATER, Tenn. (WVLT) - The Sweetwater Police Department said on Monday its mourning the loss of a former police chief.

Mike Jenkins passed away on Sunday at the age of 74 after a brief battle with lung cancer, according to his obituary.

SPD said Jenkins served the City of Sweetwater for more than 40 years, beginning his career with the fire department in 1974 before joining the police department in 1979.

“Throughout his decades of service, he held numerous roles, including Assistant Chief and Chief, and continued to serve the community even after retirement through his work with the Meth Task Force,” SPD said. “He was also a graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy in Quantico.”

The department said he was a mentor who shaped the careers of countless officers who serve acros

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