HAMLET — Several months after Chief Tommy McMasters resigned, the Seaboard City has a new top cop.
City Manager Matthew Christian announced Monday afternoon that Dennis Brown will be the next chief of the Hamlet Police Department.
Brown, currently chief of the Hertford Police Department, will bring more than 20 years of law enforcement experience working his way through the ranks, according to Christian.
Hertford is in Perquimans County in the northeastern corner of the state.
“His focus on leadership, professionalism, and service will be an asset to the Hamlet Police Department,” Christian said. “His experience is complemented by substantial state and national trainings, including the FBI Leadership Institute and the Carolina Command College.”
Brown earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Pfeiffer University and his Master of Science in Criminal Justice from East Carolina University, according to the press release.
Brown issued the following statement:
“My family is excited to have been offered the opportunity to serve Hamlet as police chief. I am humbled and honored to have been given the responsibility of leading your great department. Having spent time in Hamlet in the past and watching a race or two at the Rock, I feel like I am coming home. The Hamlet Police Department is doing a great job, especially when interacting with the community and we are going to continue down the patch of success that Chief McMasters has set. I am optimistic and looking forward to getting to know each teammate at the police department and with developing friendships with the residents we serve. My goal will be to partner with staff, the community, and town officials to set a course which will only strengthen our commitment and service to Hamlet. My hope is we all grow together. Thank you for this opportunity and blessing.”
McMasters, an Asheboro native, was hired in April of 2019 following the retirement of Scott Waters. He tendered his resignation on Oct. 30.
Capt. Anthony Moss has served as interim chief since McMasters’ departure.
