SMITHFIELD – Joined by his family, Smithfield Police Chief Peter “Pete” Hedrick took his official Oath of Office on October 19 at the Smithfield Town Hall.
Mayor Andy Moore administered the oath. The event was attended by about 40 citizens and elected officials.
Mayor Moore said he and the town council are doing everything possible to support Chief Hedrick as he gets staffing back up. He thanked the officers for attending the event and for their work they do. “You have a tough job.”
Chief Hedrick’s family was in attendance, including his wife, Shannon, and three children, Sara, Nathaniel, and Harper.
“It is an honor and a priviledge” Hedrick said to be your police chief. He said he wants residents to be proud to live in Smithfield and to call the Smithfield police department your own.
He thanked officers who have been working 12 hour shifts, some 7 days a week, to help cover the staffing shortfall. “When you call at 3:00am, Smithfield Police will be there.”
Hedrick met with citizens who attended the Meet and Greet event from 5:30pm until 7:00pm. He most recently had been the Robersonville, NC police chief before joining the Smithfield Police Department. He replaces former Chief Keith Powell who retired in 2022.
