WPD honors trailblazing former sergeant

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Thursday the Wilmington Police Department unveiled a plaque to honor one of its own. A man they say helped open doors for others in law enforcement.

Honesty, integrity and hard work are some of things Ronald Haynes says he learned from his father, the late Sergeant Edward “The Legend” Haynes. The Wilmington Police Department honored Sergeant Haynes with a plaque.

“He always stressed you need to be honest. Honesty, integrity and hard work,” Ronald Haynes said. “We are very proud and I am sure he will be very proud also. And also we are very thankful people will come out and take time to be a part of it also.”

Sergeant Haynes was one of the first African Americans hired by the WPD since the race riots of 1898 and he was the first African American to be promoted to sergeant.

Police Chief Ralph Evangelous says Sergeant Haynes helped open up opportunities for African American officers.

“I’ve heard so much about him and to be able to honor him today and honor the family is truly a great occasion,” Evangelous said. “He showed you can do it. He showed that the organization was open to inclusion. And he was successful. He showed that breaking new ground can be tough but he did a good job.”

And while many in law enforcement recognize Sergeant Haynes for his hard work and perseverance, his son says he remembers him as a great father.

“Good provider, he stressed the importance of education and building a future for yourself,” said Haynes.

Sergeant Haynes retired from the department in 1984.

In March of last year he died at his Wilmington home.