As one career came to an end, others reached a new level.
Former Lenoir County Sheriff W.E. “Billy” Smith spent his last day in office Sunday, retiring after 24 years on the job. Monday morning, the county Board of Commissioners presented Smith with his badge and Smith & Wesson AirLite .357-caliber service weapon.
“Well, it’s relaxing, and I feel comfortable in it,” Smith said of his first day of retirement. “Something to work for, as I’ve already got a list to do today.”
Smith said he had a full list of tasks Monday, including a trip to the grocery store for an upcoming prayer breakfast.
He joined the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office in November 1972, but left the LCSO to accept a position in alcohol law enforcement. Smith returned as sheriff on Jan. 1, 1989.
“I feel good about it. It’s time,” Smith said. “I pulled my years, and I feel real comfortable Chris — Sheriff Hill — will continue (the level of) professionalism.”
Sheriff Chris Hill received the interim appointment by the Board of Commissioners and will serve out the remainder of Smith’s term, which was to end in November 2014. Hill has said he will run for the office next year.
“I’m happy that we’re finally into this day,” Hill said.
But Hill’s not the only person with a new job.
“Anytime anyone retires in the sheriff’s office, it’s almost like a domino effect through all the departments,” Hill said. “So, there’s a lot of moves I’m having to make within the department. I’ve already made two new appointments in the sheriff’s office.”
Ryan Dawson received a promotion to major, as did Jim Ward. Dawson now oversees operations at the sheriff’s office, while Ward takes over enforcement duties.
“That will take a lot of burden off of me,” Hill said. “This is the way it was, actually, before I became chief deputy. I was actually doing two people’s jobs at the time. So, now I can split that back off and they can both have manageable positions within the sheriff’s office.”
May 1 will lead to another round of personnel moves. Archie Bruton steps down as captain of the prison, and Jim Oldenburg retires as captain of the detectives. Hill said they will also be honored at a ceremony by the Board of Commissioners.
That’s likely to be at the May 6 meeting at 9 a.m., at the Lenoir County Courthouse.
Wes Wolfe can be reached at 252-559-1075 or wes.wolfe@kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter @WolfeReports.