EDENTON — The former police chief in Rocky Mount has been named interim police chief in Edenton and will succeed Chief Henry A. King Jr., whose retirement takes effect at the end of the month.
George Robinson will take over the reins of the Edenton Police Department on Aug. 1, a press release from the town states.
Robinson, who retired from the city of Rocky Mount in 2021, will not only oversee the Edenton Police Department; he also will assist town officials with their nationwide search for King's successor.
“We are excited to welcome an interim chief with the breadth of knowledge and competency as Mr. Robinson,” Town Manager Corey Gooden said in the release. “I am confident that his expertise will help us not only locate a new police chief, but continue the trailblazing initiatives of Chief King.”
A town spokesman said Edenton officials expect the search for a new chief to replace King to last a couple of months "as we narrow down our candidates and move through a comprehensive and thorough process."
Robinson, 54, began his law enforcement career with the city of Rocky Mount in 1992. A 30-year veteran of the department, he worked his way up through the ranks to become police chief. Prior to his retirement in 2021, he managed a department with more than 200 sworn officers and civilian personnel, the town of Edenton's press release states.
“It is an honor and privilege to serve both the town of Edenton and the Edenton Police Department as the interim police chief,” Robinson said in the release. “We will continue to strive for organizational excellence on a daily basis and ensure that our police department continues to provide service of the highest quality as we search for a permanent chief.”
Robinson holds a bachelor of arts degree in criminal justice from Shaw University and is a graduate of the Administrative Officers Management Program from North Carolina State University and the Senior Management Institute for Police from Boston University.
Robinson, who lives in Rocky Mount, is also a member of the Police Executive Research Forum, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and North State Law Enforcement Officers Association. He currently serves on the Nash Community College Foundation Board and is a member of the Rocky Mount Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
A town spokesman said Robinson will have a temporary residence in Edenton while he's serving as interim chief. He will be paid $9,307.84 a month, according to Gooden.
King, who had been Edenton police chief since 2018, announced his intention to retire in May. At the time, town officials said he planned to retire on Sept. 1.
“It has been an honor to serve the people of Edenton,” King said. “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.”
A retirement ceremony for King will be held at American Legion Post 40 in Edenton on Friday, July 26, at 3 p.m.
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