Cary selects new police chief

Tony Godwin was selected from more than 75 applicants to replace Police Chief Pat Bazemore, who retired last month after nearly 30 years of service, Cary Town Manager Ben Shivar said.

“In my 19 years with the town, I’ve seen Tony excel as he’s worked his way up through the department, including earning the respect and confidence of his fellow officers and staff as well as the Cary Council,” Shivar said in a statement. “Tony knows Cary, and he will do a great job for our community.”

Godwin, 48, joined Cary's police force in 1990 as a patrol officer and worked his way through the ranks, serving in leadership positions on Cary’s Emergency Response Team, Field Operations and Criminal Investigations Division. He served as major for both the Services Bureau and Operations Bureau, and became deputy chief in 2014.

As chief, he leads a nationally accredited department with a total of 238 staff members, including 195 sworn officers.

“I am truly humbled by the honor of this appointment and will work tirelessly to build upon the great work of those who served as Chief before me,” Godwin said in a statement. “Cary is an incredible community, and I am grateful for the opportunity to lead our police department and work with the rest of town government in continuing our contribution to maintaining Cary’s high quality of life.”

Godwin has a bachelor's degree in political science from North Carolina State University and master’s degree in justice administration from Methodist University in Fayetteville. He is a member of the Police Executive Research Forum, International Association of Chiefs of Police, North Carolina Police Execs Association and the North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police.

He and his wife of 17 years, Shannon, have two children.