The City of Lenoir City Council honored retiring Police Sergeant James Moore Tuesday night, Jan. 18, 2022, during the City Council meeting.
Mayor Joe Gibbons read and presented a resolution to Sgt. Moore honoring his years of service to the City of Lenoir. Mayor Gibbons also gave Sgt. Moore a Key to the City.
"It’s bitter sweet. We hate to see Sgt. Moore leave our department after so many years," Mayor Joe Gibbons said. "He’s done a wonderful job. He’s a great friend. Thank you for your service to our City."
Sgt. Moore shared stories of working with City staff and thanked City Council and the community for their support during his 30-year career with the City.
“First of all, I would count it robbery if I didn’t give honor to God first, so that’s who I give honor to first, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” Sgt. Moore said. “I want to thank each and every one of you for your support that you have shown me through the years. Thank you.”
Police Chief Brent Phelps said Sgt. Moore is a model of what a community police officer should be.
“He was born here, he went to school here, he worked in our community shortly before he got into law enforcement, and he has been here his entire close to 30 years serving our city,” Chief Phelps said. “When you think about an example of a community police officer, I can’t think of a better example.”
“I tried to talk him into staying until I retire, and he said, ‘Well, how much longer you got?’ and I told him, and he said ‘Oh no, I gotta go,’” Chief Phelps said. “We are excited for the next phase and the next season in his life, and we’re happy for him. Retirement for law enforcement is not given, it’s earned, and he’s definitely earned it.”
Although he is leaving the Police Department, Sgt. Moore will continue to serve the community as pastor of West End Mennonite Church.
Related: Retiring police officer finds next way to serve, by Dawn Fleming, dfleming@newstopicnews.com, Jan 10, 2022
RESOLUTION In Recognition of Dedicated Service
WHEREAS, on the 13th day of July, in the year 1994, James Edwin Moore was appointed as a Lenoir Police Officer by Chief Jack Warlick;
THAT, as of the date of this Resolution, he has served the City of Lenoir with great distinction, under the direction of 4 Police Chiefs and has formed close relations with the citizens and youth of Lenoir through his genuine concern and professional dedication to duty;
THAT, society and law enforcement as a whole has undergone many changes and challenges over the last 30 years, and Sergeant Moore has stayed abreast through those changing trends to remain an effective mentor and leader within the department and community at large;
THAT, James has served in a number of capacities during his law enforcement career, to include his most recent position as Sergeant overseeing the School Resource and Traffic Enforcement Teams, as well as Explorers Post Advisor, Special Response Team Crisis Negotiator, School Resource Officer, and Ready Response Team Member;
THAT, due to his dedication and diligence to perform admirably, he was promoted to Sergeant in 2009, was recognized by his peers as the department’s 2021 Officer of the Year, voted Best (Police Officer) of Caldwell 2017, and received the Lenoir Optimist Club’s Officer of the Year in 1999;
THAT, James completed the FBI-LEEDA Program and SRO Certificate Program in 2019, received his Masters Degree in 2014, and received the Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate in 2004;
THAT, he has played an active and vital role in the community and with the youth, both on and off duty, to include coaching and foster parenting. James Moore has a heart for ministry and has served in church leadership roles as Pastor, Deacon, Choir Member, and President of the Shepherd’s Board;
THAT, he has humbly served the citizens of the City of Lenoir and Caldwell County and will be retiring on February 1, 2022 with close to 30 years of creditable service in the North Carolina Local Government Retirement System;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by authority of the Mayor and City Manager, and on behalf of the City Council, that Sergeant James Moore has been an exemplary employee, and is himself the epitome of the professional Law Enforcement Officer. His contributions to the safety and well-being of the citizens of Lenoir and officers of the Lenoir Police Department will be held in high esteem and remembrance by this governing body, as well as persons impacted by his accomplishments.
Joseph L. Gibbons, Mayor
Pictured from left: Councilman David Stevens, Mayor Pro Tem Crissy Thomas, Councilman Ike Perkins, Sgt. James Moore, Councilman Ben Willis, Sarah Moore, Councilman Ralph Prestwood, Mayor Joe Gibbons, Chief Brent Phelps, Councilman Todd Perdue, City Manager Scott Hildebran, Councilman Jonathan Beal.
Mayor Joe Gibbons, right, shakes Sgt. Moore's hand, center, before giving him his framed retirement resolution. Sgt. Moore's wife Sarah stands beside him.
Sgt. Moore talks to Council about his career with the Police Department and thanks them for their support. Pictured from left: Chief Brent Phelps, Sarah Moore, Sgt. Moore, and Mayor Joe Gibbons.