WINGATE, N.C. — Tuesday night, town commissioners voted 4 to 1 to disband the Wingate Police Department.
The decision to disband the department was driven by concerns over cost, liability, and staffing shortages, according to town officials.
“Devastated,” said Sterling Hall, a part-time officer at Wingate Police Department, expressing his disappointment over the decision.
Chief Deputy Tony Underwood of the Union County Sheriff’s Office commented, “Wingate is part of Union County. This is their Sheriff’s Office, and we hope they’ll see that we’re going to give them the best service that they deserve.”
Underwood said he is aware of the bond between Wingate officers and residents and aims to foster a similar connection with the new deputies assigned to the town.
During a heated town meeting, residents and officers voiced their opinions on the future of Wingate’s law enforcement.
Officer Sterling Hall stood before the community, advocating for the department’s survival and emphasizing the close connection between officers and residents.
Despite the passionate pleas, the commissioners voted to disband the department, resulting in the loss of seven officers.
The town will now contract with the Union County Sheriff’s Office, which will provide four full-time deputies to serve Wingate.
The transition is expected to save the town over $300,000 annually. The contract with the Sheriff’s Office is set for one year, with plans for annual renewal.
The mayor and commissioners acknowledged the contributions of Wingate officers, assuring that the decision was not personal but necessary to ensure adequate coverage for the town.
He also said he plans to negotiate a severance package for displaced officers, while the Union County Sheriff’s Office invites Wingate officers to apply for positions, though they may be reassigned to other districts.
VIDEO: Wingate residents divided over proposal to disband local police department
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