Police chief search continues in Wilkesboro

By JERRY LANKFORD

Record Editor

Wilkesboro Town Manager Ken Noland says he hopes a new police chief will be named next month.

Monday and Tuesday, assessment centers were being conducted on five finalists for the job.

From these assessments, Noland said he hopes the field will be narrowed to one or two candidates.

“My goal is to be able to make a recommendation at the July (11) board meeting,” Noland said.

A total of 50 prospects for the job sent resumes after former Wilkesboro Police Chief Gary Parsons was fired after being indicted by a Grand Jury in Wilkes Superior Court in February on charges of embezzlement and willfully failing to discharge duties, which are both felonies.

In March, Parsons entered an Alford plea to five charges of private use of a publicly owned vehicle and one charge of willfully failing to discharge his duties as a law enforcement officer. In an Alford plea, a defendant denies guilt but admits evidence exists that could result in a conviction.

In the interim Wilkesboro police chiefs Steve Dowell and Robert Bowlin have taken on the extra duties of being co-chiefs.

Noland said that he and other town officials are pleased with the hiring process.

“When you get into the final candidates, there’s some extensive background work that has to be done,” Noland said. “I think the process is working well. I think it will give me great feedback in my decision making process. I think I will be able to defend the decision I make to the public. This is an important job. We’re looking to hire someone who will be here 10 or 20 year.

Wilkesboro Town Commissioner Jim Hartley agreed. “We have a good list of finalist and all is going well,” he said.