Chattanooga Police Department Assistant Chief Mike Williams was honored Thursday morning with the governor’s Honorary Tennessean award for his work with the Chattanooga SWAT team, officer training and school violence response development.

“You don’t think the things that you do and the work that you do with these outstanding folks as doing anything other than what you should be doing,” Chief Williams said in the police department community room to family members, fellow officers and fire department and Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office personnel.

Richard Taylor, area Tennessee Emergency Management Agency coordinator, presented the award to Chief Williams, speaking of his character, courage, conviction and courtesy. Mr. Taylor wrote a letter to Gov. Phil Bredesen in December praising Chief Williams’ accomplishments.

“I can’t think of a police officer we need to say thanks to more than Chief Williams,” he said.

Chief Williams has traveled across the nation to train officers and also implemented a medical squad that is part of the SWAT team, prompting other agencies to follow his lead.

A member of the Chattanooga Police Department for more than 25 years, Chief Williams also served with the Red Bank Police Department for 10 years.