Chief Maurice Shults Announces Retirement

Newport Police Chief Maurice Shults has announced his intention to retire from the force in January. In a release sent out Thursday morning, Chief Shults says he will end his 40 plus year law enforcement career on January 16, 2024. Shults has been with the Newport Police department since July of 1987 after starting out as a Cocke County deputy.

Chief Shults recalled a question he was asked prior to being hired, ”I was asked how long I intended to work for the Newport Police Department. I answered, “I hope to retire from the Newport Police Department.” I have been blessed to have a great career and have reached the point that I can say I have fulfilled my commitment to retire from the Newport Police Department.”

Maurice Shults has worked as a patrol officer, a detective, spent 14 years as a narcotics investigator and has spent the last 20 years as Newport’s Chief of Police. In the letter announcing his pending retirement, Shults thanked his wife Debbie and a long list of others he has served under and with throughout the years. Shults ended his letter by saying “I cannot adequately express the appreciation that I have for the citizens of Newport and Cocke County for their support throughout my career. As I begin the next chapter in my life, I thank you all for allowing me to serve as a local law enforcement officer for forty plus years. May God bless and keep you all.” Chief Shults will hang up his badge effective January 16.