Leland Police Department searching for new police chief after Brad Shirley resigns

The Leland Police Department is searching for a new leader after Police Chief Brad Shirley resigned effective April 1.

According to a statement from Leland communications manager Jessica Jewell, the town has begun the search for a new chief and current Capt. Jeremy Humphries will be the "point of contact" in the interim.

The town has not named an interim or acting chief, Jewell said.

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"We thank him for his service to the Department and the Town and wish him well in his future endeavors," the town said in a statement to the StarNews.

Shirley became police chief in 2019 after former chief Mike James resigned. Shirley was the chief of the Boiling Spring Lakes Police Department for five years before resigning in November 2018 to become Leland's deputy chief. Prior to that, Shirley spent 14 years with the Graham Police Department where he left as a lieutenant.

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Leland Mayor Brenda Bozeman said she's thankful for Shirley's service to the town and is confident staff will find a replacement to continue the "excellent service" residents have come to expect.

"I understand that he is pursuing other opportunities and wish him continued success," Bozeman said. "I'm grateful for all the men and women in the police force who work tirelessly to help make Leland a great place and who will keep everything running as normal while the search for a replacement is underway."

Reporter John Orona can be reached at 910-343-2327 or [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Leland Police Chief Brad Shirley resigns after 3 years on the job