Mark Gwyn, the trailblazing former director of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), died suddenly at his Nashville home. He was 61 years old.
The TBI announced his passing on Thursday morning, stating that while unexpected, his death appeared to be from natural causes.
Gwyn made history as the first Black man to lead the TBI. His impact on law enforcement in Tennessee was profound and lasting.
A Legacy of Innovation and Leadership
David Rausch, the current TBI Director, expressed deep sadness at Gwyn’s passing. He praised Gwyn’s contributions to the Bureau’s growth and innovation. Rausch highlighted how Gwyn solidified TBI’s reputation as a leader in law enforcement.
Gwyn’s legacy includes creating new units within the TBI. He oversaw the formation of the Technical Services Unit and Cyber Crimes Unit. Under his leadership, the state’s Fusion Center moved to the bureau’s headquarters.
From Local Officer to State Director
Gwyn’s law enforcement journey began in his hometown of McMinnville. After graduating from Middle Tennessee State University in 1985, he became a local police officer.
Three years later, Gwyn joined the TBI as a special agent. Over the next 16 years, he climbed the ranks. In 2004, then-Governor Phil Bredesen appointed him as TBI director.
Tackling Tennessee’s Drug Crisis
During his tenure, Gwyn took a strong stance against drug issues in Tennessee. He viewed methamphetamine production as a major threat to public safety.
In a 2011 op-ed for The Tennessean, Gwyn wrote, “Methamphetamine production is one of the biggest public safety threats our state is facing.” He advocated for stricter controls on pseudoephedrine, a key ingredient in meth production.
A Career Dedicated to Public Safety
Gwyn served as TBI director for 14 years before retiring in 2018. He left a lasting impact on the agency and law enforcement across Tennessee.
“I believe I have done all that I can do to improve our resources, training and equipment for the Bureau family,” Gwyn said upon his retirement. His goal was to leave the Bureau better than he found it.
Remembering a Law Enforcement Icon
The Nashville law enforcement community mourned Gwyn’s passing. Davidson County District Attorney Glenn Funk called his death “a profound loss for the state.”
Margie Quin, commissioner of the Department of Children’s Services, remembered Gwyn as a “staunch advocate in the fight against human trafficking.”
Former colleagues praised Gwyn’s leadership and friendship. His legacy as a transformative figure in Tennessee law enforcement will endure.
