Statesville names law enforcement veteran as new police chief

STATESVILLE, N.C. — The city of Statesville has named a new leader for the Statesville Police Department.

City Manager Ron Smith announced David Addison will replace Police Chief Joe Barone as Statesville's next police chief.

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Barone announced his retirement in September.

"And although the comments were varied, it became obvious to me that the city needs a fresh look at its policing,” said Smith.

Addison, 51, is coming to Statesville from Durham, where he is the captain of Durham Police Department's Special Services Division, managing a staff of about 70. He has worked with the DPD for 22 years.

“His style is to be out in the community, sharing information, addressing issues and solving problems,” said Smith. “I heard that from everyone we spoke to who has worked with him.”

Addison's contributions to the DPD and the Durham community have earned him numerous community service awards and employee recognition honors.

He will begin his duties in Statesville on Feb. 11, 2019.

“I did my research on this community and there are a lot of great things going on here,” said Addison. “And first of all, I want to meet the officers and get to know the community where they are. I want to establish open lines of communication from the start.”

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Assistant Chief David Onley has served as Statesville’s interim chief since Barone's retirement. Smith praised Onley, saying “David has performed admirably during this time. He has done everything I asked, and more. He has rebuilt relationships that have been fractured and has absolutely kept our department on the right track.”

Addison’s starting salary is $120,000.

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