By Chloé Morrison
Chattanooga Times Free Press (Tennessee)
Copyright 2006 Chattanooga Publishing Company
LaFayette city officials said it will probably take two months for their search to find a new public safety director, but that it will be hard to replace Charles “Dino” Richardson.
Mr. Richardson was the city’s first public safety director and, before that, police chief. He died at his home Friday of complications from lung cancer and was buried Monday.
“Not only has the city staff suffered a great loss, but the citizens of the city of LaFayette have suffered a great loss,” LaFayette City Manager Johnnie Arnold said. “Dino was well liked and well respected by everyone.”
Mr. Arnold said the city will advertise all over the Southeast for candidates to fill the post. He said the process will start today and take about 60 days.
Robert Dunn, assistant chief of the LaFayette police and fire departments, said, “It will be like any other job. They will post it and those who wish to apply will.”
Officials agreed, though, Mr. Richardson will be very difficult to replace.
After receiving applications, a committee will look through them to choose a replacement, Mr. Dunn said.
Mr. Richardson worked in law enforcement in LaFayette for 33 years.
He began his career as a patrolman and in 1996, after working as police chief for about 17 years, he was promoted to public safety director.
Mr. Richardson was diagnosed with lung cancer about a year ago, Mr. Arnold said. Despite surgeries and treatment, the cancer continued to spread.
Mr. Dunn said he knew Mr. Richardson for almost 25 years.
“I’ve spent more time with him than I have with my family,” he said. “He was always there for his men. He was always taking care of problems.”
Friends and co-workers said Mr. Richardson was devoted to law enforcement and the community.
Mayor Neal Florence said that, in addition to his work for the city, Mr. Richardson was a member of the Optimist Club and worked in children’s advocacy programs.
“He was an absolutely tremendous individual,” Mayor Florence said, noting he had known Mr. Richardson for 30 years.
He said Mr. Richardson also worked to raise money for people with medical problems and was involved with the Special Olympics and the Stocking Full of Love, an organization that provides gifts for underprivileged children during the holidays.
Mr. Richardson loved fishing and riding motorcycles in his spare time, Mr. Dunn said.
“He was a Harley man,” he said. “He was a big guy with a big heart.”