New La Follette Chief of Police Matt Forsyth comes full circle

Forsyth’s career began at LPD more than 20 years ago

TOP PHOTO: New La Follette Chief of Police Matt Forsyth.

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF)- Though Matt Forsyth’s law enforcement career has taken him to both coasts, Virginia Beach and San Diego, his heart has always been in La Follette. “I started my career here at La Follette Police, and I came back in 2017,” said newly promoted Chief of Police Matt Forsyth.

The former Cougar Baseball player hit the ground running with his law enforcement career upon graduating from Campbell County High School in 2001. He signed on with the La Follette Police Force graduating in 2002 from the Regional Law Enforcement Training Academy at Walters State Community College.

“I’m blessed to have Charles Duff, LPD Captain, as my number two. We work well together, and I look forward to continuing our good working relationship. We have a great staff of officers and have room to add a couple more,” said Forsyth.

Forsyth’s career path, that began at LPD, ventured to the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office and then to the Anderson County Sheriff’s Department. A canine handler since 2004, he left law enforcement in 2009 and joined the United States Naval Special Warfare Command, the naval component of United States Special Operations Command. “I trained canines for Navy Seals for three years at Virginia Beach, and then I spent two years at San Diego with Group 1 Navy Seals,” said the new police chief.

Forsyth’s goal initially was to be a canine handler and a narcotics agent. He reached that goal at the Anderson Sheriff’s Office and for LPD. In 2015, the Jacksboro native was ready to get back home and returned to the Anderson Sheriff’s Office.

Outgoing LPD Chief Steve Wallen learned about Forsyth’s reputation in the canine world and called on him to evaluate LPD’s K-9. From there, Forsyth began to speak with Wallen and then Chief Bill Roehl on a regular basis, and by 2017 Forsyth decided to join the La Follette Police Force.

“I’d not ever really thought about becoming chief of police, because I was carrying out my goal of K-9 handling and investigating narcotics cases. However, after Chief Wallen promoted me into administration, I did think some about possibly one day becoming the chief,” said Chief Forsyth.

When ask about his goals for the department Forsyth said his “goal is to talk with all employees and see how they can improve to better serve the citizens”. Forsyth said the department already has a lot of good relationships in place.

“I’m not gonna change a lot. In this ever evolving world, our department will meet those challenges as a team,” said Forsyth. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-01/10/2025-6AM)