Brooke Wright sworn in as Wilmington Police Department’s first female assistant chief

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Brooke Wright was sworn in earlier this week, becoming the first woman to serve as assistant chief of the Wilmington Police Department.

Wright took the oath of office on July 13, officially joining the department’s executive leadership team after being selected through a nationwide recruitment process.

The Wilmington Police Department announced the milestone in a social media post, welcoming Wright and expressing excitement about the experience and vision she brings to the agency.

“We are excited to have her join our leadership team and look forward to the experience and vision she brings to WPD,” the department said.

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, she 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 while working alongside Police Chief Ryan Zuidema and the department’s executive leadership team.

When announcing Wright’s selection last month, Zuidema praised her extensive leadership background.

“She brings decades of strong law enforcement leadership experience, which will greatly benefit both our community and department,” Zuidema said. “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.”

Throughout her career, Wright has led initiatives focused on reducing violent crime, improving officer wellness, modernizing police operations and strengthening recruitment and retention. She also helped establish an employee health and wellness unit, directed the creation of a violent crime suppression unit and oversaw human resources operations, including recruitment and background investigations.

Wright officially assumed her new role on July 13, the same day longtime Wilmington Police Department leader Rodney Dawson was promoted to deputy chief.