Oxford Police Chief Alvin Coley announced that he will retire on Aug. 1, 2021, after almost eight years in the office, city officials announced Tuesday.
Coley was hired as police chief in September 2013, but his work in the military and law enforcement spans three decades. He took over as police chief upon retirement from the N.C. Highway Patrol, where he had worked for 26 years as major director of troop operations West, according to a press statement issued by the City of Oxford.
Oxford Mayor Jackie Sergent told WIZS News Wednesday that Coley has been an asset to the city in numerous ways in his time as chief. “Not only have we seen a significant decrease in property crime during his tenure,” Sergent said, “but his warm and personable manner are appreciated by those who know him.”
“Our board and staff are grateful for his dedicated service to our residents and stakeholders, and wish him and his family only good things as they embark on this next journey in their lives,” Sergent added.
Coley has a distinguished list of accomplishments and accolades, including being a recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest award that can be obtained by a civilian in North Carolina. He has served on the boards of several groups, including Boys & Girls Club, has co-chaired the JCPC and the Citizens in Action Committee, and he has been on the quality planning board with the Masonic Home for Children.
During his time as chief, he instituted the Coffee with a Cop program and strengthened community-police relationships.
“Chief Coley’s retirement is bittersweet for the City of Oxford, said City Manager M. Alan Thornton. “While we congratulate him on his retirement and wish him well during the next phase of his life, his departure creates a significant void here at the City of Oxford that will be a challenge to fill,” Thornton said in the press statement.
The City of Oxford is currently in the process of evaluating and determining the most appropriate and effective course to take on the installment of a potential interim chief of police while an extensive search is conducted to select the next chief for the City of Oxford.