Elizabethtown Police Department names new police chief

ELIZABETHTOWN, NC (WWAY) — Lieutenant Mark McMichael has been tapped to replace retiring Elizabethtown Police Chief Tony Parrish.

McMichael is currently the police department’s patrol commander. He will become police chief on June 28.

“After a thorough selection process, Mark clearly emerged as the candidate best suited to lead our police force, ensuring safety, trust, and community engagement,” Town Manager Dane Rideout said. “Mark brings over 20 years of dedicated service to the role, along with a deep commitment to serving and protecting our community. His leadership skills, integrity, and dedication to fostering positive relationships with residents make him an excellent fit for this important position.”

According to a news release, McMichael has been with the Elizabethtown Police Force since 2003, first as a Patrolman, then Criminal Investigator and more recently Patrol Commander. In 2023, McMichael was named Employee of the Year for the second time.

McMichael is a member of several groups including the Bladen County Child Protection Team and Fatality Prevention Team, Bladen County Law Enforcement Association, Bladen Community College Continuing Education Emergency Service Advisory Committee, and the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council.

McMichael holds an Associate of Arts from Bladen Community College and a Bachelor of Science from Fayetteville State University.

McMichael is an Elizabethtown resident and is active in several youth sports programs including Dixie Youth Baseball.