Godfrey to Become Sheriff May 1

As of Friday, February 8, 2013

Neil Godfrey, chief deputy for the Moore County Sheriff's Office, will assume command when Sheriff Lane Carter retires May 1.

The Moore County Board of Commissioners formally nominated Godfrey to the top post Tuesday evening.

Godfrey

Godfrey was formerly with the State Bureau of Investigation. After his retirement from that agency, he became the county's chief deputy under Carter, a post Carter held before his elevation to sheriff in 2002.

Godfrey is also a Republican Party precinct chairman.

Bob Levy, chairman of the Moore County Republican Party, made the presentation to nominate Godfrey.

"Because (Carter) was elected as a Republican, it is by law the duty of his political party to make a recommendation for his swearing in," Levy said. "But this is not just based on politics. Neil Godfrey's qualifications go well beyond that. He brings intelligence, experience and competence to the job."

Levy lauded Godfrey's efforts in conjunction with the new public safety and detention center in Carthage.

"Neil Godfrey had the foresight and bravery to have the new safety center house not just prisoners but county deputies and 911 operations as well," Levy said. "He is a sheriff for all the people, which is the reason we recommend him. He will be one of the great sheriffs of Moore County."

A standing ovation for Godfrey followed the board's decision.

Godfrey thanked the board for his nomination.

"I would like to express my sincere appreciation to you for the faith and trust you have put in me," he said. "It is a great honor to serve, and I am very committed to making Moore County a safer place for all. I assure you I will not let you down."

In other business at the commissioners' meeting Tuesday evening, Moore County resident Charles Cooper asked the board to "protect the second amendment rights (of its citizens) from federal infringement."

"On Jan. 18, 2013, the Beaufort County Board of Commissioners became the first in the nation to pass a nullification resolution in support of the second amendment," he said. "The Pitt County board passed a similar resolution yesterday.

"Today we encourage you to take a similar stand to prohibit the implementation, within the state of North Carolina, of any federal law, executive order, action or regulation restricting the right to keep and bear arms as provided to the people by the United States and North Carolina constitutions.

"We encourage you to instruct the Moore County manager to see that no county-paid staff participate in, nor allow any county resources be used in the implementation of federal law ... that infringes on the right to keep and bear arms.

"You have taken an oath to protect and defend citizens, and we implore you to do that."

Commissioner Larry Caddell asked county attorney Misty Leland to pursue the issue.

"I know everybody thinks we should not ever stand on anything unless it pertains to us, but this is a close issue for me," he said.

In other business, the board awarded a $109,648 bid to Macthrift Office Furniture Company of Raleigh for furniture in the Rick Rhyne Public Safety and Detention Center.

Commissioner Craig Kennedy proposed delaying the appointment of the county manager application review committee until the next board meeting. The board had discussed the matter in closed session earlier.

"I can't reveal the details of the discussion, but after considering what I brought to them in closed session, the rest of the board decided it was best to wait on forming the committee," Kennedy said. "There are things we will look at in the next two weeks, and we will make a determination at our next meeting based on that."

The meeting began with recognitions for employees who had served Moore County government for five to 20 years. Interim County Manager Wayne Vest was among the employees honored for his 15 years of service to the county.

The board meets again on Feb. 19.

Contact John Lentz at (910) 693-2479 or jlentz@thepilot. com.

More like this story

OldPilot 3 months, 1 week ago

Have to wonder why Bob Levy, who doesn't have the IQ of a brick, has to get involved. If Godfrey has the qualifications and the capability to do the job that's great. If not then he shoudn't be appointed and if appointed he won't last long. Levy is at best tiresome, boring, obsolete and not very bright.

citizen 3 months, 1 week ago

I don't know Mr. Levy, but I have read several editorials for this paper. His recent one about class size and school finance seemed particularly knowledgeable. Oldpilot, your comments about Mr. Levy are offensive and in my opinion quite immature. For you to be so insulting, while safely cloaked in anonymity, speaks more loudly about your own character.

theunit 3 months, 1 week ago

I am sure Godfrey is a good man with good qualifications, having served in the SBI; but for a local good ole boy politician to suggest this is anything more that an elementary political appointment insults the intelligence of the general public. Heck, maybe we should suggest that Southern Pines hire a black democrat as its new police chief to at least attempt to allay the powers of law enforcement in the county. But that will never happen. And how self serving and ignorant is it to suggest that local law enforcement officials ignore any federal laws passed to include gun control measures. Why don’t you guys just calm down the fiery rhetoric and wait and see on gun control? The federal government is not going to order your local sheriffs to have deputies go door to door and confiscate your guns.

Toda 3 months, 1 week ago

""Neil Godfrey had the foresight and bravery ... was he concerned about threats or some type of intimidation?

I saw his power point presentation ... a lot of innuendo, assumption, and based on fact-less data on progressive inmate populations. The Moore County Board of Commissioners will have to wear that expensive yoke around their necks for years to come. They cost the taxpayers over 10 million dollars extra over a comparable structure in Harnett County.

The article speaks to Godfrey's experience with the State Bureau of Investigation but omits two important qualifying elements: 1) what position did he serve as an agent? 2) what is his educational background and his degree or degrees?

We know that previous candidates attended high school and worked their way up through the ranks, but now, times and conditions have changed. If a candidate doesn't have at least a 4 year degree in political science or criminal justice, handing someone a badge and gun doesn't qualify them as a professional law enforcement official.

theunit 3 months, 1 week ago

Toda: my experience tells me that if it isn't mentioned in a public relation, we got the best candidate editorial, it isn't there! However, remember this is the office of the sheriff we are talking about; a position usually void of real educational requirements and bloated with favor, who you know, where you are from, and party affiliations. I totally agree with your efforts to propose county and municipal law enforcement heads and command staffs have at least a four year degree these days.

Toda 3 months, 1 week ago

"He is a sheriff for all the people, ..."

Glad to have Robert Levy speaking for the Republican precinct Chairman .... Glad to know the highest ranking law enforcement officer in our county, has a vested interest in party politics and will count on voters (Repubs) to keep him in office.

Isn't it time for the Sheriff's office to revert back to serving papers and safety in court houses? Charlotte Mecklenburg police department is a model for Moore County.

Take time to read the Chief of Polices' qualifications. We have never had a law enforcement official in Moore County with Chief Monroes' qualifications. Isn't it time to take politics out of law enforcement?

Toda 3 months, 1 week ago

theunit => Sadly your observations are on target (no pun intended)

As you may or may not know, I was in local law enforcement for years. Not much has changed other than basic training: BLET

When I first began, I was given a badge and a gun...I didn't even know how to work the blue lights. As far as education, not much has changed:

Here is a current listing for the position of Deputy Sheriff on the county website:

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS  Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school. LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS  Possession of Basic Law Enforcement Certificate issued by the State of North Carolina;  Must meet and maintain minimum qualifications for the position established by the department and the State of North Carolina;  Possession of an appropriate driver's license valid in the State of North Carolina License.

The lack of any formal education preempts professionalism when sent to situations where they have no training...this has to change for the betterment of the people of this county!

theunit 3 months, 1 week ago

Slow down Toda. Chief Rodney Monroe may have 30 years of experience; but I suggest you research further. When Monroe was hired at CMPD as chief he barely had a bachelor’s degree. And the way it was awarded to him from VCU just before he was hired by CMPD ignited an investigation and heads rolled at VCU because he was awarded the degree without meeting the typical requirements. http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2008/06/30/vcu As for the University of Phoenix, anyone can get a degree online there as long as you pay your bill. My point is there are many in law enforcement that does things the right way. And I am not sure Monroe is the shining example you describe him to be. Read the link to that article when you have the time.

Toda 3 months, 1 week ago

This job posting should cause alarm for those with any consideration for professionalism in those charged with serving and protecting our citizens?

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES Performs responsible protective service work in the Sheriff's Department involving an element of personal danger; patrols assigned area; responds to calls for service; investigates crimes; assists citizens; maintains records; prepares reports; on an assigned shift, operates a patrol car to observe for violations of laws, suspicious activities or persons and disturbances of law and order; responds to radio dispatches and answers calls and complaints; serves warrants, summons, subpoenas, court orders, and makes arrests; testifies in court; serves court orders and civil process papers; conducts and documents security checks of homes and businesses in assigned area; performs routine duties in connection with the operation of the County Jail; Controls traffic and crowds at fires, EMS responses and crime scenes; Assists other law enforcement officers in investigations; reports unsafe conditions existing in roads or other public facilities; assists with criminal investigations by presenting evidence, interviewing victims and witnesses, recording and issuing of evidence in court cases; performs Bailiff and court security duties as assigned; protects crime scenes; serves as victim/witness coordinator; assesses victim's needs and refers to appropriate social service agency; Serves as liaison between victims, witnesses and criminal justice system; helps victims and witnesses make court appearances; transports mental health patients and prisoners; prepares a variety of detailed reports; performs related tasks as required.

theunit 3 months, 1 week ago

I have no intent to beat up Monroe. He too seems to be a very nice man. But my point is that story never really went away; here’s an article from as recent as June 2012 about that scandal.

http://www.baconsrebellion.com/2012/06/online-degrees-the-rodney-moore-case.html

Toda 3 months, 1 week ago

Thank you Unit for the background...it just shows how incredulous lying law enforcement officers present themselves to the public. I was not aware of his inept background. The model for a county police force still makes a good argument for moving away from the politics of the day.

We have seen what lies can be perpetuated by law enforcement regarding education as reported by The Pilot and the former Carthage chief of police.

One of my professors once commented about mail order degrees: "one can earn it or buy it, the difference is having an education"

Toda 3 months, 1 week ago

Unit the last paragraph sums it up ... "There are ample financial questions, to be sure. Turning out more Rodney Monroes is not a solution, however. If so, you’ll have physicians trained at the School of Quackery and lawyers at the “Dewey Cheatum & Howe Law School.” It probably won’t matter because the fiscal conservatives will be able to sleep well at night knowing that costs have been cut. And that’s the only thing that matters, isn’t it?

Toda 3 months, 1 week ago

" the fiscal conservatives will be able to sleep well at night knowing that costs have been cut."

Sounds very familiar ...

AFCHIEF 3 months, 1 week ago

Toda you have had a hardon against the Sheriffs Office since you had your episode last year, time to get over it

theunit 3 months, 1 week ago

It concerns me somewhat what a college education has descended to. I teach college courses from time to time. I have taught a number of online courses for a major university with a popular online degree program. Truth is even with regionally accredited programs, we have no idea who maybe taking the test or doing the papers for the students. It’s the world we live in today. Your professor was right Toda: you can earn it or buy it. As for the FBI National Academy mentioned on Monroe’s Bio and on many others, I just have to say this: No one fails it; it's a political appointment; and I KNOW people that can barely read or write and who cannot run 400 yards that have completed the training. So I hold that accomplishment for what it maybe worth too. While the new sheriff’s appointment maybe purely political; political correctness and checkmarks on resumes have put pitiful managers into important positions beyond the sheriff's office. And the subordinates, plus the citizens served sometimes are the victims of these fraudulent managers.

alladat1 3 months, 1 week ago

Hey AFChief - nice potty mouth. No wonder they found porn on Air Force bases.

Toda 3 months, 1 week ago

AFCHIEF=> Keep hiding behind your anonymity ... cowards and wusses share a commonality. Step up and out like a real man ....

Toda 3 months, 1 week ago

theunit => Very well spoken. The only testing that is recognized for authenticity is the GRE, GMAT, MGAT, all of which are required for graduate school.

When I sat for the GRE, a photo ID was required, a written statement regarding the confidentiality of the test, and the session was videoed from the outset until completion with an observer.

On-line subjects offered by Universities as you may know, are much more difficult than classroom instruction. Professors add an inflated degree of complexity with timed tests. Having an open book really was of no benefit without knowing the material. I found those type of exams to be most difficult.

clarabelle 3 months, 1 week ago

" AFCHIEF - Toda you have had a hardon against the Sheriffs Office since you had your episode last year, time to get over it"

Hey chieffie.......... jealous because you can't get one anymore?

AFCHIEF 3 months, 1 week ago

Clarababy I could be nasty and respond to your comment but will pass

Toda 3 months, 1 week ago

Chief you are a nasty retard! Are you totally void of intelligent conversation? Keep hiding ....

clarabelle 3 months, 1 week ago

" Toda - Chief you are a nasty retard!"

quit trying to soften ol chieffie up with all those compliments :)

theunit 3 months, 1 week ago

Toda you seem to have a pulse of the happenings and the history of law enforcement in the area. Here is a question for you. To your knowledge, do you know if Southern Pines has ever had a female or a black police chief? With their opening and pending hire, I am just curious. I've only been in the area for the last 10 years or via the military. I know Hope Mills and Spring Lake have had at least one or the other.

Toda 3 months, 1 week ago

No Unit ~ All the Chiefs have been white; as far back as Chief Newton who was the first officer to be killed in the line of duty. No female Chiefs either.

I recall a man of color who ran for Sheriff ... but lost to a Sheriff who left the state with his secretary.

The current acting chief has some sound qualifications and has two college degrees which should be verified ... the universities listed in The Pilot have degree programs in Political Science and Criminal Justice. He's probably not one of the good 'ol boy network though, so his appointment might be sidestepped for another candidate.

Pinehurst hired Earnest Hooker as Chief ~ a good and honest man...I 've known him for over 40 years. Color was never a stumbling block for anyone who knew him.

theunit 3 months, 1 week ago

Thanks for your response Toda. I was just curious. I was looking at the command staffs of the sheriff's office and other area agencies with the pending appointment the chief deputy and the diversity or the lack thereof in the county for law enforcement higher ups. I am not trying to stir anything up. I just wasn't sure. I knew of Hooker. Pinehurst does seem to be somewhat progressive.

Toda 3 months, 1 week ago

wdd101st => Don't believe every thing you read in the Pilot. John Nagy lied to me and my wife. I have guns and have added to my collection. Would you like to see?

I still have diabetes and on a prescription for Metformin 2000 mg per day. I monitor my blood sugar 6 times a day ... so post old fabricated news if it makes you feel better.

Toda 3 months, 1 week ago

wdd101st => Obviously you meet the hiring qualifications to be a Deputy Sheriff ~

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school

Interesting you failed to mention anything about the deputy who came to my home and his repeated DWI offenses as well as his domestic abuse claims that was reported but the tapes were erased.

Those close to the Sheriffs' Department and some in law enforcement have personal knowledge of the reports covered up to protect Carter's lack of Administrative qualifications. You didn't mention the mailbox incident either ... what are you trying to hide, My life is an open book,.,.

Comments No Longer Accepted

S	M	T	W	T	F	S
28	29	30	1	2	3	4
5	6	7	8	9	10	11
12	13	14	15	16	17	18
19	20	21	22	23	24	25
26	27	28	29	30	31	1