Dunwoody Police Chief Billy Grogan will retire from the department he founded in 2009.
Dunwoody, GA – January 11, 2024 – Dunwoody City Manager Eric Linton announces the retirement of Police Chief Billy Grogan, effective June 1, 2024. Grogan has more than 41 years of law enforcement experience and is Dunwoody’s first and only police chief.
“Chief Grogan started the Dunwoody Police Department from scratch and built one of the top law enforcement agencies in the state and nation,” said Dunwoody City Manager Eric Linton. “I’m grateful for the high standards he set and the leadership and commitment he showed every day. I will miss Chief Grogan professionally and personally, but I’m confident that he has set the department on a course for continued excellence.”
Chief Grogan began his career in 1981 with the Marietta Police Department, where he rose to the rank of Deputy Chief before being named Chief of Police for the newly formed City of Dunwoody in 2008. In 2023, he was named Outstanding Chief of the Year by the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police.
“I have had the privilege of working alongside some of the most dedicated and professional individuals within the law enforcement community while in Dunwoody,” said Chief Grogan. “Their steadfast commitment to serving this community has set an unwavering standard for excellence, making the Dunwoody Police Department a source of immense pride for our community. I am excited about what lies ahead for me but, at the same time, I’m sad about closing this chapter of my life.”
Chief Grogan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration from Kennesaw State University. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy, Georgia Law Enforcement Command College, the Georgia International Law Enforcement Exchange, and the Senior Management Institute for Policing at the Police Executive Research Forum.
Throughout his career, Chief Grogan has been an inspiration to law enforcement officers across the country. He has published numerous law enforcement articles, as well as two books on law enforcement’s use of social media. Chief Grogan also hosts a website called “Top Cop Leadership” which provides valuable informational resources and consulting for those preparing for and serving as a police chief.
“One of the main reasons Dunwoody became a city was to improve public safety in our community, and Chief Grogan embraced this challenge from day one,” said Dunwoody Mayor Lynn Deutsch. “He built a department that exceeded expectations and prioritized community policing. We’ve been so lucky to have his leadership and are so grateful for his service. We wish him well on his journey.”
Chief Grogan has participated in a variety of community programs including Coffee with a Cop, Polar Plunge, National Night Out, and Read Across America. In addition, he serves in leadership roles with various non-profit organizations including I Care Atlanta, Special Olympics Georgia, and Convoy of Care.
