The state of Tennessee is mourning the loss of a law enforcement trailblazer and Warren County is mourning the loss of a native son who brought pride to the community.
Former Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Director Mark Gwyn passed away this week at his Nashville-area home due to natural causes. He was 61.
The Warren County native's career in law enforcement began as a McMinnville Police officer in 1985. Three years later he joined the TBI as a special agent in its Criminal Investigation Division. In 1996, he was promoted to the role of executive officer and later served as assistant director of the Forensic Services Division. In June 2004, Gov. Phil Bredesen named Gwyn TBI director, making him the first Black director in the TBI's history. It was a role he served in until his retirement in 2018.
Former McMinnville Police Chief Bryan Denton met Gwyn in their early days together at McMinnville Police Department and the two forged a fast friendship which endured throughout their lives.
"That guy was something else," Denton said. "I met Mark in 1985 when he came to work at McMinnville Police Department. He had just graduated from MTSU with a criminal justice degree. A year or so after that, I was promoted to sergeant and I was assigned to the shift he was on. We hit it off right away and became friends. We hung out on our days off. My daughters considered him as their uncle."
"Mark was one of the most intelligent people I've ever met in my life," Denton continued. "He could take some of the most minute facts and solve a crime. It was amazing to watch him work. That's what shot him skyward in his career."
As his career took off and he became a national figure in the world of law enforcement, Gwyn never lost touch with his Warren County roots.
"He never forgot where he was from and was very proud to be from Warren County. I was at a Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police (TACP) meeting, and Gov. Phil Bredesen was there. He was the one who appointed Mark and he thought Mark hung the moon," Denton said. "There was a reception line with senators and other important officials there and Mark was within three feet of the governor. It was all very formal, but when Mark saw me, he yelled, 'Denton!' and grabbed me and hugged me. The look on Gov. Bredesen's face was priceless. I'll remember that until the day I die. I'm just grateful to have had him as a friend."
During a ceremony held for Gwyn at First Baptist Church upon his retirement from the TBI in 2018, Gwyn reflected on his Warren County roots fondly.
“This is where it all started and I owe my career to McMinnville,” said Gwyn. “Without McMinnville Police Department, there never would have been a TBI career. I had a great run and I enjoyed every minute of it. I was able to do things I never dreamed I’d do. One thing I would reflect on when I was traveling around is I’d tell myself I’m a long way from West Elementary. I’m a long way from William Biles.”
"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."
Funeral arrangements are pending and, if appropriate, will be shared on the Bureau's Facebook page at a later time.
