Kannapolis Police Chief Terry Spry has announced his retirement following a 30-year career with the City. His last day as Chief will be September 29.
Terry was appointed Chief in 2020 and he has led a department, that is one of only 6% percent of law enforcement agencies nationwide, who are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). The department has 131 officers and staff.
“For over 30 years, Terry has served as a cornerstone of the Kannapolis community. His tenure as Chief was marked by exceptional communication and a deep-seated love for this City. He successfully fostered a culture of service within the department balancing community-focused policing with a zero-tolerance approach to crime, noted City Manager Wilmer Melton. “Terry’s life’s work was making sure our resident felt safe. Although we will miss his leadership, he has expertly positioned the Kannapolis Police Department to continue thriving long after his retirement.”
“It has been an honor to serve this community for the last 32 years. I am proud of the fact that the department has held steadfast to its foundation of being a progressive and professional law enforcement organization during my time as Chief. I am confident my staff will continue our path of maintaining our organization’s ideals and mission. I will miss the daily interaction with citizens and coworkers, but I plan to remain in the area,” Terry said.
During his tenure he has focused on building strong community relationships with children and adults to prevent crime. He is one of the founding members of BRIDGE (Building Relationships through Intentional Dialogue, Grace and Empathy). This group of area pastors meets monthly with Terry and other City leaders to sponsor community dialogues on topics such as community policing, education, housing and more. He has led the department’s efforts to host school supply drives, a children’s coloring contest, fundraisers for those in need and other events that lead to strong relationships with the residents of Kannapolis.
Chief Spry joined the Kannapolis Police Department in 1994. He worked in all areas of the department including patrol officer, traffic officer, criminal investigator, and patrol supervisor. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2004, Lieutenant in 2010 and Captain in 2015.
Chief Spry has received several honors including the South Rowan Optimist Club Officer of the Year, Co-Recipient of the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Officer of the Year, the Roger Dale Carter Memorial Award, Royal Oaks Optimist Club Officer of the Year, and a Felony Investigations Unit Commendation.
He is a graduate of South Rowan High School, attended Pfeiffer College and earned an Associate in Applied Science in Criminal Justice Technology from Rowan Cabarrus Community College. He also holds an Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate from the N.C. Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission.
He is married to Meredith, and they have one son, Kaleb, and a grandson. They attend Connect Christian Church.
Terry is only the 12th person to serve as Chief of Police in the 114-year history of the City of Kannapolis and only the fourth since the City’s incorporation in 1984.
Information about the Police Chief selection process will be shared in the coming days.