The Faces of Suwanee — Meet Cass Mooney, City of Suwanee’s Police Chief
INTERVIEW AND PHOTO BY JULIE PERDUE
When Police Chief Cass Mooney is out in the community, it often feels like he’s everywhere — especially when Suwanee is buzzing with events. He’s hard to miss in a crowd, known for his big smile and friendly manner, and for the pride he takes in representing our amazing police department. We recently caught up with Chief Mooney to learn more about the people, places, and experiences that have shaped his deep connection to Suwanee.
PLEASE TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR FAMILY: I met my wife in the 10th grade and we got married right out of high school at 21 and 19 years old. We have four kids and one grandchild. We had our first two, and then 10 years later, we had two more! People often ask me if my last two came from my second wife, but I’ve only had one! My oldest is almost 29 and she and her husband live in Naples, Italy. We are saving to visit them there.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR CURRENT AND PAST CAREER. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT IT? I began my career as a deputy in Hall County in 1994. We had a family electrical business, and I always thought that I would take over for my dad, but it folded. Early on, I became interested in either wildlife management or police work. I came to Suwanee in 1997, made Sergeant in 1999, Lieutenant in 2007, Captain in 2009, appointed Deputy Chief in 2019, and then Police Chief in 2021. I was privileged to have great mentors in Janet Moon and Mike Jones.
I rarely sit behind a desk. I’m out and about a lot, speaking with people and involved with the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police. I like that people know me in the community and I believe they feel comfortable speaking with me. I enjoy living and working in the same town. Mike Jones used to say that I “bleed” Suwanee.
WHAT ARE A COUPLE OF YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS IN OUR COMMUNITY? My wife and I have a date night every week and like to go to Senior Taco or Taco Mac. A favorite for brunch on the weekend is the new Bloom Room because of the atmosphere.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED OR WORKED HERE? We moved to Suwanee in 2008, but my wife and I were both born and raised here in Gwinnett County, so we are lifelong residents.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT SUWANEE? I love the fact that Suwanee is truly a live, work, play community. I always joke that I don’t go ITP (inside the Perimeter) because Suwanee has everything I need.
WHAT CURRENT OR FORMER BUSINESS, OR PLACE, MAKES YOU FEEL THE MOST
NOSTALGIC ABOUT THIS AREA? I really enjoyed Dillard’s BBQ. Suwanee United Methodist Church up on the hill in old town also reminds me of the way Suwanee used to be.
IF YOU COULD TAKE ANYONE TO LUNCH, DEAD OR ALIVE, WHO WOULD THAT BE?Ronald Reagan. It would be fascinating to hear him share stories. He was a great orator.
WHAT IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACE YOU’VE EVER BEEN?The rain forests of Costa Rica. I went there when I was in college and it was beautiful and fun!
WHAT WAS THE FIRST MOVIE YOU REMEMBER SEEING IN A THEATRE?I believe it was The Empire Strikes Back. We didn’t go to the movies much when I was young. My parents and grandparents did a good job of hiding how poor we really were. I figured it out when I realized years later that not everyone gets a free lunch at school.
TELL US SOMETHING THAT’S ON YOUR BUCKET LIST. I would like to visit every national park in the USA. I’d like to retire and buy an R.V. and travel the U.S. My wife said that I am welcome to do that, but she will not be going with me!
WHO IS THE MOST INTERESTING PERSON YOU’VE EVER MET IN SUWANEE?Governor Barnes when he visited our town when we opened the greenway.
WHAT KIND OF MUSIC DO YOU LISTEN TO? Growing up I was a huge heavy metal fan, like Metallica, and had a garage band. I also enjoy pop music. I enjoy listening to podcasts and talk radio about financial advice and investing more than listening to music these days.
TELL US SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOURSELF THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW. I am a third-degree black belt in Taekwondo and have won two world titles. After that karate training, I began running. Most people know that our family are huge fans of Disney World. We go there once a quarter! I believe that we really only have three things in life: our health, money,and time. We like taking the time now to do things together while we can.
WOULD YOU RATHER SING TO A CROWD OF 50 PEOPLE OR SPEAK TO A CROWD OF 500? I would definitely prefer to speak!
