Kannapolis police chief retiring after nearly 4 decades with department

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. — After nearly four decades of serving the community, the Kannpolis police chief has announced his retirement.

Kannapolis native Woody Chavis will officially retire on Dec. 27 after 12 years in the role.

Chavis said his childhood dream was to be a police officer.

“I can remember being a small child and walking downtown with my mother. I would always stop and talk to any police officer. I knew at that age that being a police officer was all I wanted to do,” he said.

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He was hired by the Kannapolis Police Department as a patrol officer in 1983 and served in every division of the department until being named chief of police in 2007.

Chavis earned associate degrees in law enforcement, industrial safety, security and health management from Central Piedmont Community College and graduated from the FBI National Academy in 1995.

During his time with the department, it has tripled in size, became a stand-alone organization after separating from the Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office and achieved national accreditation for its commitment to the community.

“Chief Chavis has been a critically important stabilizing influence in our Police Department  during a period of major growth and transition in our City,” said City Manager Mike Legg.  “I could not be prouder of Woody and his dedicated service to our community for nearly four decades."

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Despite receiving several honors for his service, Chavis said one thing he is most proud of is never having to shoot his weapon, which he said is because he spent time building strong relationships with the diverse people in the city.

“It’s going to be hard to walk away from policing but it's time for me to retire, play more golf and have time with my family,” Chavis said.

Capt. Terry Spry has been named interim police chief. Spry has worked for the department since 1994.

Officials said he will remain in the role until a new chief is found.

Cox Media Group