Chief Stagnolia’s retirement party well kept secret

‘I thought we were meeting about my last day on the job’- Caryville Police Chief Freddy Stagnolia

VERY TOP PHOTO: Members of the Caryville Police Force.

CARYVILLE, TN (WLAF)- As he stepped out of his cruiser, you could see by the look on Caryville Chief of Police Freddie Stagnolia’s face, he had truly been surprised. All types of emergency vehicles were staged in the parking lot of the Cove Lake State Park Pavilion. “It took me by surprise, and when I saw all the flashing blue and red lights, I was taken aback,” said the lawman who stands six-feet, six-inches tall.”

Stagnolia’s running mate, Assistant Caryville Chief of Police Raymond Surber, shared opening comments with the pavilion room full of family, friends and fellow law enforcement and first responder brothers and sisters. “He’s a cops’ cop. He loves you like family,” said Surber.

WLAF’s Charlie Hutson shares his photo gallery HERE.

“I love you all,” said a still stunned Stagnolia addressing the sea of men and women in blue. “I thank the Lord for leading and guiding me through my career, and I love and appreciate each and everyone of you,” said Stagnolia as he removed his glasses to wipe away tears.

Assistant Chief Surber told Stagnolia that the event was just a small token of appreciation from all of us. “We’re not losing a brother, but only as a police officer,” said Surber.

There were two members of the original Caryville Police Force from the early 1990s on hand, Darryl Chapman and Preston Prim. Both Chapman and Prim are still in law enforcement and were on the force when Stagnolia first came onboard.

“I’ve enjoyed being his assistant. You can tell just how good he is when he talks to anyone, the way an officer should,” said Surber.

“The Lord helped protect me, led, guided and directed me. I’ve had a great family behind me,” said Stagnolia, a former Cougar and 1988 graduate of Campbell County High School.

The late Bill Rutherford, Chief of the Jacksboro Police Department, gave Stagnolia his start in law enforcement as an auxiliary. From there, Stagnolia put himself through the police academy, and then Bill Widener, the late CPD Chief, brought him on as a fulltime officer. “I spent 17-18 years with Bill Widener, and from there, I went to the sheriff’s office for 12 years, and back here at Caryville in 2022,” said Stagnolia.

Of those who have helped Stagnolia along the way, there have been many. “A lot of great people have helped me and mentored me. I can’t name just one,” said Stagnolia.

“Freddie leaves a lasting impression of what a police officer should be,” said Surber.

Stagnolia will now have some time to fish and golf. “I am truly blessed, and as far as retirement plans are concerned, I’ll just see what the Lord has in store for me,” said Chief Stagnolia. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-01/19/2026-6AM-PHOTOS COURTESY OF WLAF’S CHARLIE HUTSON)