ALBEMARLE — Two public safety officials in Albemarle officially began their new positions this week.
At the Albemarle City Council meeting held on Monday night, Police Chief Ryan Manley and Assistant Fire Chief Brad Jenkins were both formally introduced before the council after starting their new roles with the city earlier that day.
City Manager Todd Clark provided an introduction for Manley, who is now the Albemarle Police Department’s first full-time chief since former APD Chief Jason Bollhorst resigned last October after three years with the department.
“We had 55 applicants total for the position,” Clark said. “It was a very rigorous assessment process that we went through with three different interview panels for those who were selected to be interviewed, so Ryan really stepped up and did a wonderful job.”
Penny Dunn served as interim chief during the hiring process for the full-time position, which will now culminate in a ceremonial swearing-in event for Manley on Feb. 20.
“This is an honor and a privilege,” Manley told the council. “I guess you could say this is the pinnacle of my aspirations in this profession. It’s very humbling. Over the past few weeks, I’ve gotten to know the men and women of my agency, and they’re an amazing group. They’re very dedicated to this community.”
Following the introduction of Albemarle’s new police chief, Fire Chief Kenny Kendall Jr. provided a brief presentation recognizing Jenkins as his new assistant chief.
“Chief Jenkins has risen through the ranks, starting first as a firefighter in 2000,” Kendall said. “He has worked in the city of Albemarle for a quarter of a century and he is deeply committed to serving his community. He has prepared himself for the role, and is deeply passionate about advancing the safety and the success of the department and the city of Albemarle.”
Jenkins has served as the city’s battalion fire chief for the past nine years prior to his recent promotion.
“I look forward to working alongside Chief Kendall and the challenges that this city faces with the growth and development that we have,” Jenkins said. “I look forward to working with our department.”
Along with the introductions given to Manley and Jenkins on Monday, the Albemarle City Council also heard a presentation from Joseph Graziano, senior public safety risk management consultant for the North Carolina League of Municipalities.
The APD was formally recognized with a plaque for completing the Law Enforcement Risk Review Process conducted by NCLM, highlighting the department’s commitment to adhering to risk management and public safety industry standards.
Graziano explained that process was a comprehensive agency review of over 40 high-risk, high-liability areas to ensure the agency executes industry standards related to police pursuits, use of force, employment practices and training.
“I want to say thank you to the entire police department for working on this and making this a reality,” Albemarle Mayor Ronnie Michael said.
The Albemarle City Council is set to meet again on Feb. 17 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.