FROM STAFF REPORTS

Statesville Police Chief David Addison announced Tuesday that he would retire from his position in four months. 

Addison, who was hired in February 2019 and has more than 20 years of law enforcement experience, announced his retirement on Facebook on Tuesday. His last day will be May 31.

“It has been my pleasure serving this department and community during my tenure,” he said. “I have mulled over this decision for months before choosing to retire. I have worked with many incredible people at the Statesville Police Department and with their commitment, we have reduced crime, strengthened community relations and become a stronger agency

Although Addison’s time as chief will be relatively short, City Manager Ron Smith said his leadership at the Statesville Police Department and service to the community were impactful.

“David has been an outstanding leader, advocate, and mentor for this community,” Smith said. “He led the department through very difficult times, including a global pandemic, the aftermath of the George Floyd incident, and 200 days of protests downtown.”

Addison was often present during the mostly peaceful protests, which centered around the Confederate War monument on the grounds of the Iredell County Government Center.

Smith credited Addison for producing and sharing quarterly reports about crime in the city, which “pushed back against a largely false image about crime in our city.”

Under Addison’s leadership, the SPD was reorganized into districts, each of which was supervised by an experienced captain who served as a point of contact for the public. The result, Smith said, was increased accountability and visibility.

The city will immediately begin a search for Addison’s successor. Smith plans to have a new chief in place by Addison’s last day on the job.

“In the search for a new chief, I will look for someone who will continue to foster the fairness, stability, and accountability that defines the Statesville Police Department,” Smith said. “I cannot say enough good things about David’s time here, and I will miss him.”

In his Facebook announcement, Addison expressed his appreciation to the community for their support of the SPD.

“You were there for us during some very trying times and it was greatly appreciated,” he said. “You gave during our annual toy drive, which provided gifts to families across the Statesville community. Your participation was essential in our ability to identify and apprehend suspects involved in criminal activity.”