The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners plans to pick a new sheriff on Aug. 11, the county announced on Tuesday.
The appointee will complete the term of former Sheriff Ennis Wright, who retired on June 30. If the appointee wishes to remain in office longer, they will have to win the November 2026 election.
Wright’s chief deputy, C. Jack Broadus, has been serving as interim sheriff until a new sheriff is appointed. Wright recommended that the commissioners appoint Maj. Johnathan T. Morgan to be the permanent sheriff.
“We’re grateful for Sheriff Wright’s years of dedicated service to Cumberland County,” Board of Commissioners Chair Kirk deViere said in Tuesday’s announcement. “Our goal is to ensure a smooth transition and continuity in the Sheriff’s Office by appointing someone who can step in and serve the remainder of Sheriff Wright’s term, as required by North Carolina law.”
People who want to seek the appointment have until 5 p.m. Aug. 4 to apply. They will be given a chance to speak to the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners at the Aug. 11 meeting.
To be sheriff, a person must:
- Be age 21 or older.
- Have no state or federal felony convictions.
- Be a qualified voter in Cumberland County.
Those seeking the appointment must submit:
- A letter of interest, including eligibility statement.
- A resume.
- A statement of no felony convictions or expungements. This must be issued within 90 days prior to the appointment by the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Education and Training Standards Commission.
- Any additional information the applicant wishes to include.
Applicants must submit seven complete copies of their materials, one for each commissioner. These should be hand-delivered to Andrea Tebbe, clerk to the board, on the 5th floor of the Cumberland County Courthouse, 117 Dick St., Fayetteville.
Senior reporter Paul Woolverton can be reached at pwoolverton@cityviewnc.com.
Editor’s note: This article has been updated to correct the spelling of Maj. Johnathan T. Morgan’s first name.
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