As Fayetteville Police Chief Kemberle Braden’s retirement date is fast approaching, the City of Fayetteville has named Assistant Police Chief Todd Joyce as interim chief.
Joyce will serve in the interim role following Braden’s departure on March 31 and as the search for a new chief progresses, the city said in an announcement Friday. A native of Fayetteville, Joyce has served the city for more than 26 years and joined the Fayetteville Police Department shortly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
“We’re excited to announce Assistant Chief Joyce as the interim police chief while we’re searching for the new chief,” City Manager Doug Hewett said. “With a commitment to our Police Department and community for over 26 years, I know he will ensure the great work our officers are doing everyday will continue flawlessly.”
Joyce has worked in various roles within the department and most recently served as commander of Field Operations and Specialized Services, according to the announcement. He is a graduate of the 26th session of the Management Development Program at the North Carolina Justice Academy. He was selected in 2021 as a delegate to Israel through the Georgia International Law Enforcement Exchange Program.
Joyce previously was president of the North Carolina Police Executives Association, of which he is still a board member. In December 2024, Joyce was appointed as a commissioner to the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission. He has been married to his wife, Megan, for more than 20 years and they have two daughters.
“Assistant Chief Joyce has continuously shown his dedication to serving the people of Fayetteville,” Hewett said. “His breadth of experience and leadership will help guide the department during this transitional period.”
Braden has been police chief since January 2023, and he announced his retirement in December. The city launched a search for a new chief in January. The city will use the consulting firm Developmental Associates to conduct the search, Hewett said. The police chief job posting opened for applications on Feb. 14 and closed on March 14.
