Wilson’s Mills Police Chief Resigns
Wilson’s Mills Police Chief David L. Hess has announced his resignation. Hess has been the chief of the police force for just under two years. His last day on the job will be May 29th. On June 1st he will become the Roxboro Chief of Police.
Under Hess’ leadership in Wilson’s Mills, the police department has increased technology, equipment, advanced training and grant funding and implemented the Police Department’s first community policing programs in 2014.
“I was blessed to be welcomed into the family environment in Wilson’s Mills,” Chief Hess said. “The police department needed a lot of internal improvements, many of which were complex and challenging. I enjoyed building a positive, professional and sustained foundation for the community. As a leader it is my job to prepare and develop others to take my job. We accomplished that goal and there is more to be done. I am most proud of four accomplishments. Earning the trust and respect of the community and judicial system for the organization; changing the culture of the organization by instilling a high moral, ethical and professional standard; increasing the equipment and career development of the staff; and saving the Town more than $80,000 through grants, fundraising and conservative fiscal management.”
In December of 2014, Chief Hess implemented the town’s first ever Shop with a Cop program. The department raised $2,100 in donations and took eight under privileged kids from the community Christmas Shopping and partnered with Wilson’s Mills Baptist Church to provide a hot meal for the kids afterward. The police department recently was awarded $1,000 grant from Wal-Mart for this year’s event. He also implemented a senior well check program called P-STAR (Police & Seniors Teaming with Active Resources). Chief Hess commented, “These two programs have reached the two segments of our community that need to know we care about them. They are a blessing to have and these programs will continue moving forward.”
Police Lieutenant George Strong will serve as interim police chief until the Town names a successor. Lieutenant Strong has over twelve years of law enforcement experience, has an associate’s degree and received more than 300 hours of leadership training under Chief Hess.
Town Administrator Zach Ollis said, “While we are excited for David and his family, we also know that we are losing a valuable asset to the community. David was a phenomenal resource for our officers and an outstanding employee. It was an honor to have worked with him and I am so proud of what he has done for Wilson’s Mills. The residents of Wilson’s Mills will forever be grateful for his service to the community and so will I.”
Chief Hess added, “I will miss the relationships I have built in the office and with the community. The opportunity to oversee the Roxboro Police Department comes with joy and humility. The City of Roxboro is a great place to live and God continues to bless my family as we serve him.”
Hess will make $70,250 annually as Roxboro Police Chief. His salary in Wilson’s Mills was $52,500.
