By LANCE MARTIN
rrspin.com

WELDON – A native of Rich Square is now the top law enforcement officer in Weldon.

Chris Davis was sworn in as Weldon’s new Police Chief on Monday evening, taking over the position left vacant by the departure of former Chief James Avens.

Avens announced his resignation last month to become Deputy Police Chief in Elizabeth City. Avens, after announcing his resignation, said he planned to recommend Davis be promoted to chief.

“He (Davis) has been with us for 15 years,” Weldon Mayor Julia Meacham said after administering the oath of office to Davis. “I believe he will do a wonderful job. He’s a great person. I’m so glad he started with this department. He’s in touch with the community.”

Davis, who was most recently lieutenant of the department, started his law enforcement career in Weldon in 2003.

“I like the community. It’s very open,” Davis said after receiving the oath in front of family, friends and members of his church family. “The town has always done me well. I enjoy the atmosphere as well.”

Davis, who graduated from Northampton County High School-East and received his law enforcement training at Nash Community College, said it is every officer’s dream to “move up in the ranks.”

“I’m glad it is here in Weldon,” Davis remarked.

Davis will be looking at restructuring the department since it went from nine to seven officers because of budget concerns. There is currently one open position, which the town commissioners this evening agreed to fund.

“I’m looking to continue to be doing community projects and do more enforcement actions,” he said.

Drugs and gangs are a problem in town.

“We had some larcenies and break-ins. I’m looking to getting into those,” said the new Police Chief.

Davis was appreciative of his family, friends and fellow church members being present as he took the oath.

His wife, Sherry, held the Bible as he was sworn in.

“I don’t think I could have gotten where I am without the support of family, friends and coworkers. I look to them for further support,” Davis noted.

He is the son of George and Elaine Davis, who attended the ceremony. His stepson, Joshua Pulley, and his son Hunter, who led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance during the meeting, watched him be sworn in.

(Lance Martin is the Editor and Publisher of www.rrspin.com. Permission was received to publish this story.)