Police Chief Terry Spry announces his retirement
KANNAPOLIS
Kannapolis Police Chief Terry Spry will retire Sept. 29 after more than three decades with the Kannapolis Police Department, ending a law enforcement career that began with the city in 1994.
Spry, who became chief in 2020, announced his retirement this week. He is the 12th police chief in Kannapolis' 114-year history and only the fourth since the city's incorporation in 1984.
City Manager Wilmer Melton credited Spry with strengthening both the department and its relationship with the community.
"For over 30 years, Terry has served as a cornerstone of the Kannapolis community," Melton said in a statement. "His tenure as chief was marked by exceptional communication and a deep-seated love for this city. He successfully fostered a culture of service within the department, balancing community-focused policing with a zero-tolerance approach to crime."
Melton added that Spry had positioned the department to continue thriving after his departure.
The Kannapolis Police Department has 131 sworn officers and staff members and is among about 6% of law enforcement agencies nationwide accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, or CALEA.
Spry said he was proud of the department's accomplishments during his tenure.
"It has been an honor to serve this community for the last 32 years," Spry said. "I am proud of the fact that the department has held steadfast to its foundation of being a progressive and professional law enforcement organization during my time as chief. I am confident my staff will continue our path of maintaining our organization's ideals and mission."
Although he said he will miss working with residents and fellow officers, Spry plans to remain in the Kannapolis area.
Throughout his time as chief, Spry emphasized community engagement and crime prevention, helping establish BRIDGE — Building Relationships through Intentional Dialogue, Grace and Empathy — a partnership of local pastors, city leaders and law enforcement officials that meets regularly to discuss issues including policing, education and housing.
Under his leadership, the department also organized school supply drives, children's coloring contests, fundraising efforts and other community outreach events.
Spry joined the department as a patrol officer in 1994 and served in patrol, traffic enforcement, criminal investigations and supervision before advancing through the ranks. He was promoted to sergeant in 2004, lieutenant in 2010 and captain in 2015 before being named chief five years later.
During his career, he received numerous honors, including Officer of the Year awards from the South Rowan Optimist Club and Royal Oaks Optimist Club, the Roger Dale Carter Memorial Award, a Mothers Against Drunk Driving Officer of the Year recognition and a Felony Investigations Unit Commendation.
A South Rowan High School graduate, Spry attended Pfeiffer College and earned an associate degree in criminal justice technology from Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. He also holds an Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate from the N.C. Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission.
Spry and his wife, Meredith, have one son, Kaleb, and a grandson. They attend Connect Christian Church.
City officials said information about the process for selecting the next Kannapolis police chief will be announced in the coming days.
Kannapolis Police Chiefs
Marion Talbert 1909-1910
Robert E. Goble 1910-1921
J.L. Boger 1921-1924
Ira T. Chapman 1924-1952
Henry T. Barnes 1952-1956
E.M. Logan 1956-1958
Claude Stewart 1958-1961
R.L. Ketchie 1961-1982
Ira T. Yow 1982-1991
Paul D. Brown 1991-2007
James "Woody" Chavis Jr. 2007-2019
Terry Spry 2020-2026
