David Laxton is a third-generation law enforcement officer with 25 years of dedicated service to Roane County. Following in the footsteps of his late father, a 40-year law enforcement veteran and Captain with the Tennessee Highway Patrol, David is committed to carrying on his family's legacy of protecting and serving the community.
Throughout his career, David has risen through every rank from Police Patrol Officer to his current role as Chief of Police. His extensive experience includes serving as a Drug Investigator with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Judicial Drug Task Force Agent, and member of the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force. He currently serves on the Roane County E-911 Board and the 7th Judicial Crime Task Force Board of Directors.
A Harriman High School graduate, David holds an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from Roane State Community College and a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from Liberty University. He is also a graduate of the prestigious UT LEIC National Forensics Academy. David has earned Level 4 Leadership Certification—the highest certification awarded—from the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police. Committed to continued growth and leadership, he is currently a student with Leadership Roane County.
Beyond his career, David remains actively involved in the community as a board member of the Carolyn Bush Roddy Foundation and is a member of South Harriman Baptist Church.
David and his wife Heather, who works at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, have been married for 15 years and are proud parents to their son Aiden.