New Tupelo Police Chief unanimously approved by city council

A new Chief of Police for Tupelo was approved by the City Council at its December 7, 2021 meeting.

John Quaka, a veteran Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent with 26 years of experience, was appointed to the job by Tupelo Mayor Todd Jordan. The mayor told the council that he selected Quaka after an extensive search. There were 28 applicants for the position. Interviews were done, and references and records were checked. The mayor was advised in the search by a diverse committee of citizens.

Quaka’s appointment was unanimously approved by the city council. He is married with three children and has lived in Tupelo for 20 years.

John Quaka approved as new Tupelo Police Chief

In comments following his approval, Quaka thanked the mayor and council for the opportunity. “I am so excited and terrified at the exact same moment, because I understand the responsibility this holds,” said Quaka.

The Tupelo council voted unanimously to increase the salary of the mayor and members of the council. The raise will not take effect until after the next city elections in 2025. The mayor’s salary would then be increased from $105,000 annually to $125,000. Salary of city council members would increase to $23,000, an increase of three thousand dollars annually.

Other business at the Dec. 7 meeting included these appointments:

Mark Williams was appointed to the Tupelo Planning Committee, representing Ward 6. Williams is Chief Operations Officer and Senior Vice President of Renasant Bank.

Darrell Marcele was appointed to a four year term on the BancorpSouth Arena Commission. Marcele is a cinematographer and multimedia engineer. He owns MRI Productions and Entertainment, based in Tupelo.