The Leland Police Department is honoring the hard work and dedication of its officers, whose commitment ensures a safe and secure community for all. This year’s awards highlight exceptional contributions made throughout 2024.
The Chief’s Award acknowledges individuals who go above and beyond in their commitment to public safety. Selected by the Police Chief with input from the command staff, Sergeant Jonathan Berry received this year’s Chief’s Award. In his decade of service to the Leland Police Department, Sergeant Berry has demonstrated versatility and dedication in various roles, including Patrol Officer, Detective, Fire Investigator, DEA Task Force Officer, Senior Officer, and now Patrol Sergeant.
The Officer of the Year Award is given to an officer who demonstrates excellence in law enforcement while embodying the Town’s core values of respect, communication, engagement, supportive work environment, and service excellence. Officers below the rank of Lieutenant vote to determine the recipient. Senior Officer Chandler Guy received the 2024 Officer of the Year Award for his outstanding service in patrol. He has spent the majority of his time over the last six years with the department as a Field Training Officer.
The department is also recognizing staff who have continued to further their education and experience Master Officer Tyler McElroy, Senior Officer Christian Marshall, and Detective Robert Britton received their Advanced Law Enforcement Certifications by completing at least 480 hours of training with six creditable years of service and a four-year degree, or up to 960 hours of training with 12 creditable years of service without a degree. Master Officer Michael Whitmire, Detective Benjamin Majors, Master Officer Sam Blobe, and Senior Officer Christian Marshall received their Intermediate Law Enforcement Certifications by completing 160 hours of training with two creditable years of service and a four-year degree, or up to 640 hours of training with eight creditable years of service without a degree. Sergeant Chris Winder received his Leadership Certificate by completing 400 hours of training, including 120 hours through the North Carolina Justice Academy (NCJA) Leadership Institute. Detective Britton received his Criminal Investigation Certificate by completing at least 200 NCJA credit hours in required courses, obtaining approval from his supervisor and agency head, and completing 400 total credit hours focused on law enforcement criminal investigations.
Chief Jeremy Humphries, Deputy Chief Josh Spence, Administrative Supervisor Makenzie Crumbaker, Sergeant Winder, Sergeant Berry, Sergeant Jonathan Kazee, Sergeant Chris Lewis, Sergeant Brian Irvin, Sergeant James Munger, Lieutenant Bryan Reid, Lieutenant Dallas Warren, Lieutenant James Almond, and Lieutenant Jonathan Hall received their FBI-LEEDA Trilogy certifications by completing the FBI-Law Enforcement Executive Development Association Trilogy Series.