City of Lenoir Police Chief Brent Phelps has announced his retirement effective Aug. 1, 2025.
Chief Phelps has served his entire law enforcement career with Lenoir. City Council, staff, and his fellow officers are thankful for Chief Phelps’ decades of loyalty and for his leadership in the community.
“After much prayer and reflection, I’ve made the decision to retire from my position as Chief of Police,” Chief Phelps said. “Serving the people of Lenoir has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the finest men and women in law enforcement. Together we’ve faced challenges, celebrated victories, and leaned on each other through the trials that come with this calling.”
Chief Phelps started his law enforcement career with the Lenoir Police Department in 1996. He steadily moved up the ranks and was promoted to Chief in July 2018. During his tenure as Chief, Chief Phelps has improved and added many services and programs at the department including:
· Completing the North Carolina League of Municipalities Risk Review Program
· Creating the first certified Critical Incident Stress Management Team for law enforcement in the state
· Assigning a full-time School Resource Officer to every public school in Lenoir
· Starting the C.A.D.E.T. Camp for children ages 10 to 15 years old
· Fully staffing the K9 Unit and assigning a K9 Team to Hibriten High School
Chief Phelps served as President of the North Carolina Chapter of the FBI National Academy Associates in 2024, and he currently serves on the North Carolina League of Municipalities Police Chiefs Advisory Committee.
“To the city department leaders and Council members, I’d like to thank you all for your support, your leadership, and your trust,” Chief Phelps said. “It’s been a blessing to walk alongside you in serving this great city. I leave this post with peace in my heart, knowing the department is strong and full of capable leaders ready to continue the work.”
City Manager Scott Hildebran promoted Chief Phelps to the position in 2018. City Manager Hildebran said Chief Phelps has went above and beyond during his service to Lenoir.
“Chief Phelps has spent his entire career in Lenoir. That’s something you don’t see very often,” City Manager Hildebran said. “I’m very grateful for his loyalty to Lenoir and for his nearly three decades of service. Brent has done a wonderful job as Chief of Police, and we wish him all the best in his retirement.”
After careful consideration, City Manager Hildebran selected Major Andy Wilson to serve as the next Chief of Police. Major Wilson has 22 years of service with the Lenoir Police Department. He will take over as Chief on Aug. 1, 2025. The City will release more information about Major Wilson’s promotion in an upcoming news release.
The City of Lenoir will host a retirement reception for Chief Phelps at the end of July.
