Bladenboro police chief addresses revoked firearms instructor certification, says officers have been requalified
BLADENBORO, N.C. (WWAY) — Bladenboro Police Chief J.H. Hewett is addressing the revocation of his North Carolina Specialized Firearms Instructor certification, saying he was unaware his credentials had been revoked after failing to complete a required training course.
In a public statement, Hewett acknowledged that his certification was revoked effective Dec. 31, 2025, because he did not complete a required four-hour firearms update course.
Hewett, who said he has been a certified firearms instructor since 2011, explained that he initially registered for a course in November 2024, but it was canceled due to a natural disaster. He said he failed to register for another session before the deadline.
“This was an oversight, and I accept responsibility for not completing the requirement,” Hewett said.
According to the statement, Hewett was working full time in the insurance industry rather than law enforcement when he missed the certification requirement.
He maintains that he was unaware of the revocation until approximately two weeks ago, noting that the certificate in his possession listed an expiration date of February 2027.
Hewett said he received no direct notification that his certification had been revoked.
After learning of the issue, Hewett said he contacted the North Carolina Criminal Justice Standards Division and sought reconsideration, including assistance through the Police Benevolent Association. Those efforts were unsuccessful.
Hewett also disputed allegations circulating online that he knowingly falsified firearms training records or intentionally misrepresented his certification status.
He said no cease-and-desist letter was issued to affected police departments, and no state order was issued shutting down or suspending operations at the Bladenboro Police Department.
According to Hewett, he voluntarily contacted the chiefs of affected departments to disclose the certification issue and coordinate corrective action.
He said he worked with other certified firearms instructors to arrange new qualifications for officers affected by the issue.
Hewett also referenced a public statement from Tabor City Police Chief Kevin Fowler, who said, “There has been no operational decrease in our coverage.”
Hewett said the same was true in Bladenboro, where all affected officers have since completed their firearms requalification and law enforcement coverage was not interrupted.
“I will not make excuses for missing a required training update,” Hewett said. “However, I will not accept allegations of dishonesty, intentional misconduct, or deliberate disregard for the standards of this profession when that is not what occurred.”
Hewett emphasized that he remains committed to law enforcement and stands behind the training he has provided since 2011.
