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Deputy Chief R. E. Curlin began his career in law enforcement at the Jackson Police Department on August 16, 1957.  D.C. Curlin began his career prior to officer's being required to attend any type of formal training academy. However, he did attend a couple of National Rifle Association of America courses.  The first was the NRA Police Firearms Training Course and then later he attended the NRA Sharpshooter course.  Along the way, D.C. Curlin also attended and completed the The University of Tennessee Center for Government Training course in Public Supervisor and Executive Workshops.  

In the words of Deputy Chief Curlin, he joined the Jackson Police Department as a young farm boy with no intentions of making police work his career.  However, as time went on he decided law enforcement was exactly what he wanted to do as a profession.  

D.C. Curlin's fondest memories were when he served at the rank of Captain.  He reminisced about this era as being an enjoyable and fulfilling time because he was able to spend time on the streets as well as in the office.  

A grateful public servant, D. C. Curlin became more of an administrator as he progressed through the ranks.  He was able to gain the respect of the rank and file and the community.  In return, D.C. Curlin tried to give back to the officers as well as the citizens.  

After being promoted to the rank of Deputy Chief, Curlin was in charge of the night operations for three (3) years and from there he was transferred to the Uniform Division.  The last position D.C. Curlin held was Administrative Assistant to the Chief of Police.

During his tenure, Deputy Chief Curlin was nominated and received the Jackson Kiwanis Club - Lawman of the Year Award in 1988.  He also received numerous accolades and personnel letters of commendation.

As a part of his duties as the Administrative Assistant, Deputy Chief R. E. Curlin was proud to serve as a member of the Law Enforcement Building Planning Committee to search and have constructed the Law Enforcement Complex.  After the building was buildt at it present location of 234 Institute St. the Jackson Police Department moved from the basement of City Hall at 314 E. Main St. to the new location on May 15, 1976.

On July 1, 1989, Robert Eugene Curlin retired from the Jackson Police Department at the rank of Deputy Chief.  Although, Curlin had retired he wasn't quite yet ready to be idol.  He went to work with the State of Tennessee - Wildlife Resource Agency where he remained until 2000 when he retired permanently.