Head of Mayor's Security Detail Retires (Updated)

The head of Mayor Megan Barry's security detail, Sergeant Rob Forrest, has retired, the Metro Nashville Police Department confirms to the Scene. 

The department lists Forrest's retirement date as today.

A 31-year veteran of MNPD, Forrest had supervised security for former Nashville mayors Bill Purcell and Karl Dean before leading Barry's detail. Metro Councilmember Tanaka Vercher, who chairs the council's Budget and Finance Committee, tells the Scene that the mayor's office plans to issue a statement this afternoon. As of this writing, the mayor's office has not responded to an inquiry about his departure or provided further details about a statement. 

More as this story develops.

Update (2 p.m.):

The department emails to clarify that Forrest retired, as opposed to resigning (and this post has been updated to reflect that.) The department also provides his letter of retirement. The letter, which offers no explanation for his retirement, is dated Jan. 17. The text is copied verbatim below:

Captain Michael Alexander,

I would like to inform you that I am retiring from the Metro Nashville Police Department on January 31, 2018. I have had an outstanding career and enjoyed coming to work each day. I plan to make the transition as smooth as possible.

I truly appreciate the support given to me during my 31 plus years of service to the MNPD. 

Sincerely,

Sergeant Rob Forrest

Update (4:10 p.m.):

that Forrest's retirement is related to questions about his relationship with the mayor. The station spoke to Forrest's wife.

"When asked whether her husband had a relationship with Barry, she responded, ‘You need to ask that question to Mayor Barry.' "

Update (4:45 p.m.): The Scene has confirmed that Barry administration staffers are confirming to council members that the mayor had a relationship with a member of her security detail and that she is not resigning.