Council recognizes 2 retiring police officers
Jan. 18—LENOIR — Two retiring police officers were recognized for their service with the department during the Lenoir City Council meeting Tuesday, Jan. 17.
On behalf of city council, Mayor Joe Gibbons presented resolutions to Lt. Brett Ingram and Capt. Brian Smith for their 30 years of dedication and outstanding service with the Lenoir Police Department, the city of Lenoir, and its citizens.
Gibbons will also present the officers with their service weapons and badges upon their retirement from the police department in February.
"Tonight, we're going to recognize two of our fine officers of the Lenoir Police Department and their retirement, and to say thank you to them for what they have meant for our community," said Gibbons.
In 1996, Ingram was appointed firefighter for the city of Lenoir under the direction of Fire Chief Bobby Coffey. He later received certifications to include emergency medical technician, fire instructor, and North Carolina Fire Inspector. In 2005, Ingram took his oath of office under Police Chief Joey Reynolds as a part time, sworn law enforcement officer for the Lenoir Police Department and transferred into a full-time position in February, 2006.
"[Ingram] has served the city of Lenoir with great distinction, under the direction of three police chiefs and three fire chiefs and has formed close relations with citizens and community leaders through his genuine concern and professional dedication to duty," Gibbons read from the resolution. "By the authority of the mayor and city manager, and on behalf of the City Council, Lt. Brett Ingram has been an exemplary employee and is himself the epitome of the professional law enforcement officer. His contributions to the safety and well-being of the citizens of Lenoir and officers of the Lenoir Police Department will be held in high esteem and in remembrance by this governing body, as well as all persons impacted by his accomplishments, generosity, and compassion for those in need."
Capt. Smith served as patrolman for the city of Lenoir under the direction of Police Chief Jack Warlick from November 1994 to May 1996. Upon leaving the city of Lenoir, he served as a deputy for the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office until he was re-hired in July 1998. Due to Smith's dedication and diligence in performing in an exemplary manner, he advanced through the ranks to achieve his current position as patrol commander, admirably serving with great distinction the citizens of Lenoir during the tenures of four police chiefs as a supervisor in all three divisions of the Lenoir Police Department: patrol, investigations, and support services.
"[Smith] has played an active and vital role in the community with a number of accolades in his personnel file showing a willingness to go above and beyond what is expected for the department, city, and community," Gibbons read. "He has formed close relations throughout his career due to a genuine concern and professional demeanor in performing his duties."
Ingram and Smith will be retiring on Wednesday, Feb. 1 with 30 years of creditable service to Lenoir and this community.
An emotional Police Chief Brent Phelps addressed the mayor and council to speak with pride about the two retiring officers.
"It is becoming harder and harder to find men and women that are willing to serve other people before they serve themselves," said Phelps. "For both of these gentleman, to complete three decades of service to this city, to this community, to our department, there's really no good way for me to put that into words. On behalf of the chiefs before me and myself, thank you for coming in every day ... I care about each one of them as much as I care about this community. That dedication is something that's special to my heart because it's rare to find. Thank you guys, thank you for what you've done."
Smith thanked the chief and said he is ready to move on to the next phase in his life.
Ingram said that it has been an honor to serve.
