Former Smyrna Police Chief Sworn In As City Administrator

SMYRNA, GA — Smyrna City Council members unanimously approved the promotion of Interim City Administrator Joseph Bennett, who was also the former Smyrna police chief, as the full-time city administrator at the council meeting Monday.

Bennett, a Smyrna native, spent 25 years with the Smyrna Police Department in various positions. He became police chief in February 2020, and was appointed to be the interim city administrator after his predecessor, Tammi Saddler Jones, stepped down in September.

"They don't make 'em a whole lot better. He's done a tremendous job as interim city administrator for us, for the better part of a year during some very difficult times," Smyrna Mayor Derek Norton said during the meeting. "He's exceeded any expectations I had, and I know members of the council ... feel the same way."

Council approved the recommendation to appoint Bennett unanimously.

"He's attentive; he's got a servant's heart; he's from Smyrna, grew up here and served over 25 years in the police department," Norton said. "He knows this city, he knows its people and I'm very excited to put him forward for the full-time city administrator for the city of Smyrna."

Bennett was flanked by his wife, children and parents during the swearing-in ceremony at Monday's meeting.

"I am deeply humbled by this opportunity to lead this great city. Thank you all for your guidance and your leadership especially through this last year that we've had," Bennett said at the meeting.