Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-102-109: Assistant appointed — Removal of subordinate officers.

(a) If there is no officer as provided for in § 68-102-108 in any city or place, or in case such officer declines to serve, the commissioner may appoint an assistant instead.

(b) All subordinate officers working under the commissioner, including the commissioner's deputies and assistants, may be removed for cause, and their successors appointed by the commissioner.