Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am a native New Yorker who moved to Washington DC to attend American University and never went back north. I spent four years in the Marine Corps in the military police field, stationed in North Carolina, and then returned to the DC area to spend the next 27 years in the Montgomery County, Maryland, Police Department. My wife and I have four kids ages 20, 16, 12 and 10 and we are so thrilled to become active members of the Holly Springs community.
With your vast policing knowledge, we are sure you had your pick of high-profile positions. What attracted you to Holly Springs?
Choosing Holly Springs was a professional decision, but it was also a good fit for my family. The police department has a stellar reputation in North Carolina and the southeast, and Holly Springs is a community that is supportive of community partnerships with the police department.
We also looked at the beautiful amenities like greenways, Bass Lake, and Ting Park, in addition to the growing economic footprint and excellent schools. My family and I were very attracted to the great quality of life in Holly Springs.
What are some of the challenges that lie ahead for the police department as we continue to grow?
The number one issue for suburban police departments is traffic! My initial impression is that traffic is clearly an issue here. It’s not just our own population, but the people passing through from the south to jobs in Research Triangle Park or Raleigh. It’s great that the town is investing in new roadway infrastructure and also investing in public safety personnel and programs to address these challenges.
Also, I know we are known as the safest town in North Carolina, and we need to do everything we can to keep crime statistics low, even as we grow. One way we can do that is to continue our strong emphasis on community outreach and explore new opportunities to connect with all residents and ensure that all voices are at the table.
2020 has been a challenging year for police across the country. How can your department demonstrate their commitment to the community they serve?
The Holly Springs Police Department has actually been doing a lot of the right things since long before I arrived. And we need to continue to expand our reach to areas that are underserved. Typically, communities that need us the most are often the least trusting of police, so we need to work harder to earn their trust. We need to continue to engage in open dialogue and make inclusion a top priority for the department. I’ve only been in this job a short period of time and I’ve already participated in a number of forums and events to foster communication. I’m looking forward to listening to what everyone has to say about the job we’ve been doing and how we can be even better in the future.
I believe that we need to continue to be transparent and post our policies and statistics online for the community to see. We also need to always emphasize the sanctity of life in those policies and all our training. As Chief, it is paramount to me that we treat all the people we encounter with respect and professionalism. Plus, we need to make it easier for residents to give us feedback on our actions. If we do all those things, it will lead to greater trust and legitimacy in the eyes of all members of our community.
What have you been focused on in your first 90 days on the job?
I have hit the ground running since day one! My focus has been to reach out to the Holly Springs community. I’ve made it a point to get to know local community leaders, pastors and residents to hear their opinions and advice as I learn about the history of this community and what lies ahead. I’ve also made it a priority to get to know the great men and women who make up the Holly Springs Police Department. Successful organizations need leadership that can listen and get to know what is happening at the ground level before making any changes. It is imperative to build mutual respect. I’m also taking a close look at all of our programs and policies to make sure we are representing the highest standards and ideals in policing.
Tell us about one aspect of the Holly Springs Police Department that has impressed you so far?
Coming from a larger agency to a smaller agency, I’ve been struck by how close-knit everyone is in the Holly Springs department with each other and with the community they serve. It is so impressive to see how much officers are willing to go above and beyond to support their community on their own time. They use their individual talents, like fishing for example, to bring the community together with our Breaking Bread with Fish and Kids summer program. Some of them work in our cadet program to act as role models for young people interested in a career in law enforcement. This family atmosphere and dedication to the community is truly impressive and I already feel welcomed in our new home.
Now some fun questions! We know you have only been here a short time, but what are some of your favorite things.
Favorite restaurant? I haven’t eaten out a lot so far, but I had a great lunch at Hickory Tavern.
Favorite pizza? Homegrown Pizza
Favorite thing to do on your day off? As a father of four, I’m very busy with my children’s sports and other activities.
Beach or mountains? Definitely the beach. I used to live in North Topsail, when I was in the military.
Favorite park or greenway? I’ve been enjoying the Arbor Creek Greenway.
Pick a team—UNC, NC State or Duke? I don’t follow sports closely, but my family roots for University of Kentucky, so Duke is out of the question!
