Cary police chief to retire

Bazemore, 53, leaves a 29-year career in law enforcement that has been marked by firsts – she was the department’s first female lieutenant, captain, major and deputy chief.

“Reluctantly, but with the deepest appreciation for all she’s done for the Town government, our community, and our state, I’ve accepted Pat’s letter of resignation and wish her the very best in her new life as Cary’s first retired female chief of police,” Town Manager Ben Shivar said in a statement. “Pat has been exemplary as she’s help guide us through some of Cary’s toughest and most tragic situations, and I am personally grateful for the professional and thoughtful ways she’s served.”

When Bazemore joined the department in 1986, there were 31 staff members serving the town’s population of about 32,000. Today, Cary has 153,000 residents and a police department with 230 employees.

"It's very hard to walk away from a community like Cary," Bazemore said. "I think I have been absolutely blessed to work with a community that loves the police. They are very good to us and the town council supports us."

Cary often appears in national rankings of safe communities, and Shivar said much credit for that goes to Bazemore, who has implemented numerous community-based policing methods.

In a statement, Bazemore thanked Shivar, the Town Council and residents for supporting her and said she was proud to have served in the department.

“An entire community’s long-term safety doesn’t come down to the efforts of one person but, rather, to the coordinated, consistent work of hundreds of dedicated women and men throughout Town Hall who work tirelessly every day for others.”

The town is conducting a national search for a new police chief.