Sunset Beach police chief resigns

SUNSET BEACH, NC (WWAY) — Sunset Beach Police Chief Lisa Joyner has resigned after 27 years of service with the Sunset Beach Police Department.

In a letter submitted to Town Administrator Susan Parker, Joyner says that she is resigning for personal reasons.

“I have enjoyed my 27 years as an employee with the Town and wish everyone the best,” Joyner wrote.

Earlier this year, Joyner’s husband Richard Channing Joyner Jr. was arrested and accused of kidnapping and strangling her.

Assistant Police Chief Joe Smith will serve as interim chief until a replacement is found.

“Chief Joyner has faithfully served the citizens and community of Sunset Beach for almost three decades,” said Mayor Robert Forrester.  “The Town of Sunset Beach is grateful for Chief Joyner’s service and wishes her the best in her future endeavors.”

Joyner started with the department on Dec. 13, 1989. She had been on unpaid FMLA leave since July, which Joyner had requested, Parker said. Joyner was making an annual salary of $95,132.