News Summary
Kingsport welcomes Jason Bellamy as its new Chief of Police, succeeding retiring Chief Dale Phipps. Bellamy brings over two decades of experience within the Kingsport Police Department and is committed to enhancing public safety and community trust. His tenure includes crucial roles like Deputy Chief and Detective, showcasing his extensive leadership capabilities. This change comes as the community acknowledges the significant contributions of Chief Phipps over nearly 37 years of service.
Kingsport, Tennessee
Jason Bellamy has been officially appointed as the new Chief of Police for the City of Kingsport, succeeding retiring Chief Dale Phipps. The announcement was made on a Thursday prior to June 6, 2025, with the official appointment set to take effect on June 29, 2025. Bellamy will become the 16th Chief of Police in the city’s history.
City Manager Chris McCartt commended Bellamy for his extensive leadership capabilities and experience within the Kingsport Police Department. Bellamy has been part of the department since 1998, serving in numerous roles including Patrol Officer, Detective, Corporal, Training Sergeant, Watch Commander, Captain of Operations, and most recently, as Deputy Chief, a position he has held since April 2021.
In his capacity as Deputy Chief, Bellamy has been instrumental in overseeing daily operations and driving various departmental initiatives. He has collaborated closely with Chief Phipps to enhance community relations and establish programs aimed at improving public safety. His leadership experience also includes specialized assignments such as serving on the Honor Guard, as a Hostage Negotiator, and participating as an officer in the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force.
As he prepares to step into his new role, Bellamy expressed his confidence in the officers under his command and reiterated his commitment to maintaining high standards of excellence in the police department. He has lived in Kingsport since 2012 and has strong local roots, originally hailing from Hawkins County. Bellamy, along with his wife Angie, who they have been married to for nearly 27 years, has two adult children.
Bellamy’s educational background complements his law enforcement experience. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Education from East Tennessee State University (ETSU). Additionally, he is a proud graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, and the National Forensic Academy in Knoxville, Tennessee, reflecting his commitment to professional development and law enforcement best practices.
This transition comes as Chief Dale Phipps retires after nearly 37 years of dedicated service with the Kingsport Police Department. Phipps has played a significant role in shaping the department’s policies and community interactions during his tenure, and his retirement marks the end of an era for the local law enforcement agency.
As Kingsport prepares for this leadership change, residents can anticipate Bellamy’s continued focus on providing professional police services and fostering community trust and engagement. His extensive experience and deep ties to the area are seen as assets that will benefit the police department and the citizens of Kingsport as he takes on this pivotal role in public safety.
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Additional Resources
- WCYB News
- Wikipedia: Kingsport Police Department
- WJHL
- Google Search: Jason Bellamy Kingsport Police Chief
- Hoodline
- Google Scholar: Kingsport Police Leadership
- Supertalk 929
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kingsport Police Department
- WCYB News
- Google News: Dale Phipps Retirement Kingsport Police
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
