WPD announces new deputy chief, other promotions

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) –A man who started working for the Wilmington Police Department as a teenager is now one of its highest ranking members.

Donny Williams receiving the Service Above Self Award in February 2016 (Photo: Wilmington Police Dept. Facebook)

WPD promoted Capt. Donny Williams to deputy police chief last week. According to a news release, Williams is a veteran officer with more than 26 years of service at WPD. Williams started with the department as a summer youth worker during his teens. He was then hired  as a Police Cadet in 1990 and soon joined the force as a patrol officer. Deputy Chief Williams has worked in various patrol and specialized assignments including, Crime Prevention, DARE and Housing. During his time as a Police Captain he managed the Support Services Division where he oversaw the agency’s $24 million budget for several years and managed the largest patrol division in the agency. Williams is also credited with overseeing the development and design of the police department’s new training facility.

The department also recently promoted nine other officers after a number of retirements last year.

Sergeant Promotions:
Josh Miller
Lee Odham

Corporal Promotions:
Jesse Moore, II
Will Hatcher, Jr
Crystal McDaniel
Ross Raper
Joseph St. Pierre
Crystal Williamson