Town of Smyrna
Charles Gooden is a dedicated professional with diverse experience in public safety and healthcare. Currently serving as a Police Officer for the Town of Smyrna since January 2022 and a Firefighter at Almaville Fire Station 61 since August 2020, Charles also has a background in construction engineering with BrandSafway from June 2021 to January 2022. Previous roles include Chronic Care Management at Nephrology Associates Medical Group, Inc., a Healthcare Worker at The Villas at Canterfield, and an Intern Student with Community Supported Agriculture in 2017. Charles holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Tennessee State University and completed a Public Safety Officer Certification from the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy in September 2022. Additionally, Charles pursued studies at the University of Johannesburg in 2018.
Town of Smyrna
The Town of Smyrna operates under the Council-Manager form of government. This type of local government combines leadership of elected officials as members of our governing body, the Town Council, with the managerial experience of an appointed local government manager. This structure establishes a representative system where all power is concentrated in the elected council and where the council hires a manager to oversee the delivery of public services. In Smyrna’s government, Council Members are the policy makers elected to represent the community and to concentrate on policy issues that are responsive to the needs of its citizens. The Town Manager is appointed by the Town Council to carry out policy, to lead the staff of Directors and Managers of all Town departments, and to ensure that the entire community is being served. Our entire staff is committed to serving the citizens of Smyrna to the best of its ability by adhering to the following Guiding Principles: -Base Every Action on the Well-Being and Security of All Citizens -Demonstrate Excellence in Customer Service -Treat Each Member of Our Organization with Respect -Be Innovative -Be Financially Responsible -Embrace a Mentoring Mindset