August 23, 2024
By:
The former director of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), 61-year-old Mark Gwyn, has died at his Nashville-area home from what appears to be natural causes, officials announced Thursday morning. Gwyn has family in DeKalb County including sister and brother-in-law, Steve and Cathy Officer.
According to the TBI, Gwyn — a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University — began his law enforcement career in 1985 as a police officer in his hometown of McMinnville. Three years later, he became a special agent in the TBI’s Criminal Investigation Division. Eight years after that, he was promoted to executive officer and later served as assistant director of the Forensic Services Division.
Then, in 2004, Gov. Phil Bredesen appointed Gwyn as TBI director, making him the first African-American to hold the position, authorities said. Gwyn served in that role until he retired in 2018.
“I am deeply saddened to hear of Director Gwyn’s passing,” said current TBI Director David Rausch. “Mark had a profound impact on the Bureau, contributed to its growth and innovation, and solidified our reputation as a law enforcement leader. We will honor his contributions, remember his legacy, and celebrate his life in the days and weeks to come.”