FUQUAY-VARINA – After a nationwide search and a process that involved community members, the Town Of Fuquay-Varina has announced the selection of Brandon Medina as the Town’s new Chief of Police. Medina fills the vacancy created by the retirement of long-time Police Chief Laura Fahnestock in February. Medina will start work on April 11.
For the past seven years, Medina has served as Chief Deputy with the Nash County Sheriff’s Office where he supervises 145 employees. In his role with the Nash County Sheriff’s Office, Medina manages daily operations including policy development and implementation, personnel processes, budgeting, and communications. Previously, Medina had 14 years of progressive experience with the Rocky Mount Police Department as a Police Lieutenant in the Criminal Investigations unit.
Medina was born and raised in New York leaving at age 17 to join the military. He served honorably for 20-years, with both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army, having been honorably discharged. He retired from the Army National Guard in 2013.
Town Manager Adam Mitchell stated, “I am very excited that Brandon Medina has accepted my offer to be Fuquay-Varina’s next police chief. Brandon comes to us with substantial experience in community policing and community engagement and his leadership involvement will most certainly add value to our law enforcement agency. The Police Chief search process was extensive and considered the input from town senior leadership, external law enforcement professionals, and community citizens and business leaders. Brandon clearly demonstrated that he has the skills, temperament, and attitude to be an effective Police Chief in Fuquay-Varina.”
Medina holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Western Carolina University, a master’s degree in Management from American Military University and a master’s in Criminal Justice from the University of Louisville. Medina is fluent in Spanish.
Medina is excited to begin work. “As the newly selected Chief, I will strive to utilize the training and experiences gained from my over 20 years of Honorable service in the United States Military, 14 years of progressive experience in various roles at the Rocky Mount Police Department, and 7 years as the Chief Deputy for the Nash County Sheriff’s Office.”
“These opportunities definitely provided me with a first-hand experience aimed in allowing us to continue Fuquay-Varina Police Department’s excellent reputation in public safety, community relations, and collaboration with local and regional partners. In addition, these opportunities along with the continued practices of Fairness, Vigilance, Professionalism, and Dedication by the honorable men and women of the Fuquay-Varina Police Department will propel our agency to even higher levels of excellence,” said Brandon Medina.
Fuquay-Varina Mayor Blake Massengill said, “I think Brandon brings a wealth of knowledge to his new position as Chief of Police. His record reflects a reputation for effective and collaborative leadership, and he has clearly demonstrated a commitment to community policing. Brandon also speaks Spanish fluently which helps to reach a growing demographic. I believe Brandon has the right combination of attributes to take Fuquay-Varina to the next level of policing.”
Medina serves as an Adjunct Professor at North Carolina Wesleyan College. He has two sons who will soon be joining the U.S. Air Force, continuing the family tradition of military service. Medina is a board member on the Child Advocacy Center of North Carolina and a member of both the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).
“I’m excited to become an active member of the Fuquay-Varina community,” said Medina.
