Gastonia Police Chief announces retirement after nearly 3 decades

GASTONIA, N.C. — Gastonia Police Chief Travis Brittain will be hanging up the cuffs after almost 30 years with the department.

The Gastonia Police Department on Tuesday announced Brittain’s retirement coming up at the beginning of next year.

“Chief Brittain’s contributions will have a lasting impact in our community,” Gastonia Mayor Walker Reid said in a statement. “His commitment to our city, his profession, and his staff is highly commendable. It has been a pleasure working with him.”

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That commitment has been a part of Brittain for nearly his entire life. He was born in Gastonia and joined the Gastonia Police Department’s Explorer Program at the age of 15. He became a full-time police officer in 1994 and worked his way through the ranks as a sergeant, captain, and assistant police chief. He has served as chief for the past two years.

“It has been an honor to serve the residents of Gastonia for the past 28 years,” Brittain said in a statement. “I have been fortunate throughout my career to work alongside some of the finest women and men at the Gastonia Police Department and I want to thank them for their dedication and commitment that they bring to the job every day. I want to especially thank the mayor, council, and management for their confidence and support.”

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Brittain has also volunteered with community organizations, including the Executive Board of the Gaston Clergy & Citizens Coalition, the Rotary Club of East Gastonia, and Habitat for Humanity.

Brittain’s last day with GPD will be Jan. 1, 2023.

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