By Emily Weaver
Daily Record of Dunn
Chip Hawley became the first man from Coats to be sworn in as the state’s top law enforcement official on Wednesday, Nov. 20. Three months into the job, he returned to his homeland on Thursday, Feb. 27, to share another success story. This is how a boy, who dreamed of becoming a cop in Coats, grew into a director of the State Bureau of Investigation and helped rescue a Spring Lake girl from the clutches of human traffickers.
And it all started at home.
Chip Hawley, of Coats, is the director of the State Bureau of Investigation.
Hawley was born the son of J.C. Hawley, an educator who served as the principal at Coats Union School, and Ora Pond Hawley, who served at the same school as a teacher.
“I grew up in downtown Coats, in a teacherage directly across from the school,” he said. “I have always believed that Coats was a perfect place to grow up. I was fortunate to live in a time and place where you didn’t have to lock your doors; everyone knew their neighbors, and we looked out for one another. Manners were a necessity, and hard work was expected.”
The state’s top crimefighter never shied away from hard work.
Hawley graduated from Coats Union School in the summer of 1979 and went on to study at Campbell University. He finished his undergraduate studies at Liberty University where he earned his Bachelor of Science in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in criminal justice.
“Since I can remember, I have always wanted to be a police officer,” he said. “When I was young, I had an interaction with a Harnett County deputy that could have turned out either positively or negatively, but it ended up being a very positive experience. Those events have stuck with me throughout my life. Additionally, I had a friend who was a police officer in Coats. I did a ride-along with him, and I was immediately hooked. I knew then that I wanted to dedicate my life to serving my community.”
Hawley has done that now for more than 40 years.
“Over the past 40-plus years, I have progressed from being a Coats police officer to my current role as the director of the SBI. Throughout this journey, I have held numerous positions and received many opportunities due to my hard work and dedication to the profession I love,” he said. “I have always aspired to be a leader, inspired by my father’s words: ‘If you don’t lead, the view never changes.’”
In 2018, Hawley became the chief of the State Capitol Police, nine months after joining the force as deputy chief. Prior to joining State Capitol Police, he served 33 years with the Wake County Sheriff’s Office, where he attained the rank of major in both the Patrol Division and the Criminal Investigative Division.
Hawley is also a graduate of the Administrative Officers Management Program. Over his distinguished career, he has earned numerous specialized law enforcement certifications, including law enforcement motorcycle operator and instructor, expertise in special events and mass gatherings, and certification as a law enforcement general instructor. In 2001, Hawley was named the Wake County Sheriff’s Officer of the Year, a testament to his dedication and service to the community and law enforcement.
“I am driven by a desire to help others find solutions to difficult situations. It is what motivates me every day,” he said. “As the top sworn law enforcement official in North Carolina, I take immense pride in my position. However, I am also acutely aware of the vital importance of keeping North Carolinians safe. It is a significant responsibility, and I believe that failure is not an option.”
He continues to be inspired by the leadership and public service example set by his father and the relationships he made in his home community still help him in his mission today.
“Relationships are essential to life as a whole. Together, we can achieve far more than we can on our own,” Hawley said. “In North Carolina, relationships within government and law enforcement are particularly vital to the success of every agency. It is important for all of us to unite and work together to ensure the safety of the citizens of North Carolina.”
The importance of relationships and teamwork became strikingly clear at a press conference Feb. 27, when officials announced they had rescued a Spring Lake girl from her trafficking captors and put her kidnappers in jail.
One day later, Hawley’s office announced another rescue and arrest in a second human trafficking case out of neighboring Chatham County.
“Bringing these young girls home safely is an incredible outcome,” he said. “The world we live in today can be very challenging. Growing up in Harnett County taught me many valuable lessons that I carry with me throughout my life. I felt a great sense of pride standing beside (Harnett County) Sheriff Wayne Coats to announce that our collaborative efforts likely saved a child’s life.
“Sheriff Coats has been a tremendous supporter throughout my journey as the director of the SBI,” Hawley said. “He is an amazing example of true leadership in Harnett County. Being able to return to my hometown and share such wonderful news is a tremendous blessing for me. I am proud to serve the citizens of North Carolina and even happier to protect Harnett County, the place I will always call home.”
Hawley lives his life by three guiding principles: “I put God first, then my family, and finally, I tackle any challenges that come my way. With God directing my path, I am confident that I will make the right decisions,” he said. “I also recognize that the position I hold is a true blessing, and I am committed to bringing passion, dedication, professionalism, and honor to the North Carolina SBI every day.”
So how does Hawley define success?
“I want every North Carolinian to feel safe in every community throughout our state. Families should be able to enjoy their lives without worrying about the potential for harm to themselves or their surroundings,” he said. “Additionally, I want the men and women of the SBI to feel supported and valued for their hard work. They dedicate themselves day and night to keeping us all safe. In leading the SBI, I use a reverse organizational chart mentality. This means that the citizens of North Carolina are at the top, and I am at the bottom. I answer directly to the citizens of this state, and I want them to know that I will work every day to protect and serve them to the best of my abilities.”
Hawley is the second Harnett County native to sit in the director’s chair of the SBI. Former U.S. Sen. Robert Morgan, of Lillington, also held that position. But Hawley is the first one from Coats where a young boy from a small farming town dreamed big and became a hometown hero.
Chip is the MAN
God Bless and Protect you. Thank you SOOOOOO Much for the Awesome job you continue to do.