Wilmington Police Department names new assistant chief, promotes deputy chief

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Wilmington Police Department has announced two leadership appointments that will take effect July 13, including the selection of a new assistant chief and the promotion of a longtime department leader to deputy chief.

The City of Wilmington has selected Brooke Wright as assistant chief of police following a nationwide recruitment process.

Wright brings nearly 30 years of law enforcement experience to Wilmington. She most recently served as assistant chief with the Fairfax County Police Department in Virginia, where she rose through the ranks from dispatcher to executive leadership. Before entering law enforcement, Wright served in the U.S. Air Force.

As assistant chief, Wright will help oversee department operations, strategic planning, policy development, succession planning and organizational improvement efforts. She will work alongside Police Chief Ryan Zuidema and the department’s executive leadership team.

“I am excited to welcome Assistant Chief Wright to the WPD,” Zuidema said in a news release. “She brings decades of strong law enforcement leadership experience, which will greatly benefit both our community and department. Her extensive background in operations, criminal investigations, personnel development, and interagency collaboration will be a tremendous asset as we continue strengthening public safety and organizational excellence.”

During her career, Wright has led efforts focused on reducing violent crime, improving officer wellness, modernizing police operations and strengthening recruitment and retention. She helped establish a health and wellness unit for employees, directed the creation of a violent crime suppression unit and oversaw human resources functions, including recruitment and background investigations.

The department also announced the promotion of Captain Rodney Dawson to deputy chief of police following a nationwide search.

Dawson has served with the Wilmington Police Department since 2003 and brings more than 22 years of law enforcement experience to the role. He most recently served as acting deputy chief of the Uniform Patrol Bureau.

“Deputy Chief Dawson has served the WPD with distinction for more than two decades,” Zuidema said. “He has demonstrated strong leadership, deep knowledge of our community, and a commitment to community policing. His promotion recognizes both his proven experience and the confidence we have in his ability to help guide our agency forward.”

Since joining the department, Dawson has served as a police officer, corporal, sergeant, lieutenant, captain and acting deputy chief. He has overseen operations within the Criminal Investigations, Uniform Patrol and Administrative Services divisions.

Dawson also led several technology initiatives, including the implementation of body-worn cameras, TASER technology and digital evidence management systems. Department officials said those efforts were aimed at improving accountability, transparency and operational effectiveness.

In his new role, Dawson will oversee bureau operations, personnel, training initiatives and strategic projects while helping advance the department’s long-term goals.

Both appointments take effect July 13.