The police chief credited with bringing new crimefighting technologies to Edenton and strengthening ties between the town’s police force and other law enforcement agencies, has announced he’s stepping down this fall.
Chief Henry King, who has led the Edenton Police Department for the past six years, will retire from the town on Sept. 1, town officials said in a press release Thursday, May 23.
“It has been an honor to serve the people of Edenton,” King said in the release. “I am proud of what we have accomplished together, and I am confident that the department will continue to thrive under new leadership. I am grateful for the support of the community, my colleagues, and my family throughout my career.”
King joined the Edenton Police Department as chief in 2018 following an 18-year career with the Rocky Mount Police Department. Prior to that he served in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Town Manager Corey Gooden described King’s contributions to Edenton as “invaluable.”
“Under his leadership, the Edenton Police Department has undergone significant modernization, including the upgrade of our vehicle fleet, the implementation of cutting-edge security and surveillance technologies, and the pioneering use of BolaWrap technology as a non-lethal alternative in the field,” Gooden said. “His efforts have not only made our town safer but also set a high standard for policing in our region.”
Under King’s leadership, the Edenton Police Department in 2022 became the first municipal law enforcement agency in North Carolina to deploy the BolaWrap technology. BolaWrap restrains crime suspects without the use of force like Tasers or firearms by launching a Kevlar cord that wraps around the suspect’s arms or legs.
According to Gooden, one of King’s most notable achievements during his six-year tenure as police chief has been the strengthening of Edenton’s partnerships with other local, state, and federal agencies to combat violent crime.
“These collaborations have resulted in more efficient law enforcement efforts regionally, ensuring that Edenton remains a safe place to live, work, and visit,” Gooden said.
Gooden also noted King’s many initiatives and programs to reach out to Edenton’s young people. “Chief King has been passionate about lifting up the youth of the community, who are Edenton’s future,” he said.
King also has made a “significant impact” on the broader law enforcement community, Gooden said. He noted that King is the current president of the North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police, the first ever chief from Edenton to hold the position.
“In this role, he has been a vocal advocate for public safety and law enforcement issues in Raleigh, representing Edenton’s interests at the state level,” Gooden said.
Edenton will soon begin a search for a new police chief to “build on this legacy of excellence,” Gooden said.
“We wish Chief King all the best in his retirement,” he said. “His leadership, commitment, and integrity have left an indelible mark on Edenton, and he will be greatly missed.”
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