Lenoir Police Major Andy Wilson has been selected to serve as the next Chief of the Lenoir Police Department. Major Wilson has served 22 years with the department and has been second in command since early 2023.
City Manager Scott Hildebran said Major Wilson has the experience and relationships to serve as the next Chief.
“Andy has more than two decades of service with the Lenoir Police Department, and he has the skills and personality to be an outstanding Chief,” City Manager Hildebran said. “He knows the department and the community very well. He has the support and respect of his peers and co-workers, and I’m confident that he’ll provide excellent service to our community.”
Chief Brent Phelps said Major Wilson will do a great job as the next Chief of the Lenoir Police Department.
“Andy is very smart, and has a strong work ethic,” Chief Phelps said. “He has always given 100% to everything he does, and leading the department will be no exception. He has dedicated his professional career to this department. I remember him saying years ago, we need to make this department the place where people are waiting in line to come work here.”
Wilson said he’s honored to be selected as the next Chief of Police for Lenoir.
“It has been a privilege to serve alongside officers from the Lenoir Police Department over the past 22 years. I am honored to have the opportunity to lead this group of professional officers forward while continuing to improve on what my predecessors have accomplished,” Wilson said. “The dedication and commitment this department has in providing a safe community for people to live, work, and play will continue to be a top priority.”
Wilson started working in the Police department in 2003. He has served as a patrol officer, K9 handler, Special Response Team member and commander. He has served in Patrol, Criminal Investigations, and Community Services. During the past two decades, Wilson has moved up the ranks to Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and Major.
For the past two years, Wilson has been serving as second in command at the department. As Major, he has overseen all divisions in the department, managed and approved the budget, evaluated policy, and handled personnel issues. Major Wilson has served as Chief when Chief Phelps away, and he manages more than 70 full-time staff.
Although he had offers from other police departments, Wilson said that he never considered leaving Lenoir.
“This department and this community are home. I’ve been fortunate to build strong relationships here, both within the agency and out in the community,” Major Wilson said. “I truly believe in our mission, and I want to continue to improve our department while providing service that’s second to none across the profession.”
Wilson said that Chief Phelps and previous Chiefs have done an excellent job of moving the department forward and he plans to do the same.
“This department has been fortunate to have past leaders that never laid idle while the evolution of policing continued to change,” Major Wilson said. My tenure as Chief will be no different. As society evolves, so does policing. Staying up-to-date on the latest trends, technologies, and community concerns will always be on the forefront of what this agency focuses on. Purpose driven policing and a culture of treating others as we would want our family to be treated will continue to be a mainstay of the Lenoir Police Department.”
Wilson is a native of Caldwell County and graduated from South Caldwell High School. His family has lived here for generations and he has deep roots in this area.
“My parents and siblings still live locally, and I’m fortunate to have extended family nearby as well,” Major Wilson said. “This community shaped who I am, and I’m proud to serve the people in Lenoir and his community.”
Wilson earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Western Carolina University. He graduated from the FBI’s National Academy in 2016. He holds the Advanced Certificate as a Certified Law Enforcement Officer from the NC Criminal Justice Education Training & Standards Commission. And, he’s a NC general instructor in Rapid Deployment and Subject Control and Arrest Techniques.
Wilson serves as Treasurer on the Executive Board of Directors for Caldwell County Adolescent Health, and he is a voting member for Robin’s Nest Children Advocacy Center. He serves on the Caldwell County Local Emergency Planning Council and Caldwell County School Justice Program.
Wilson and his wife Jessica have been together for the past 20 years. They have one son, Lawson. They will be living in Lenoir.
“Jessica has always been my biggest supporter, and we couldn’t be any prouder of Lawson and the young man he has become,” Wilson said.
In their free time, they enjoy helping out at the family farm. Wilson said farming requires long hours and constant effort, but the fruits, literal and figurative, are worth it.
“Our farm is a labor of love that grounds our family, and it teaches our son the importance of hard work and commitment that no paycheck alone can provide,” Wilson said. “If we’re not at the farm, you can find us on local rivers throughout the summer, getting involved with whatever recreational sport or club Lawson is focused on at the time, or spending time with family and friends.”
Wilson will take over as Chief on Aug. 1, 2025.
Chief Brent Phelps has announced his retirement, effective Aug. 1 of this year. Chief Phelps has served the Lenoir Police Department since 1996 – 29 years.
