Clint Ingle is Rutherfordton's new Police Chief

Clint Ingle

The Town of Rutherfordton's new Police Chief Clint Ingle is committed to serving the residents of Rutherfordton to the best of his ability. He began his duties on May 1 upon the retirement of Chief Kevin Lovelace.

"I accept the responsibility of ensuring that our community is provided the best law enforcement services possible," Ingle said. He said he is fortunate to work with a dedicated staff of sworn officers and one civilian employee that truly understand the definition of service.

"They work hard every day to provide the best service possible to our community. I wear this uniform with great pride because of the work they do," Ingle said.

He began his career with the Rutherfordton Police Department in August 2005.

Beginning as a patrol officer, Ingle, 37, worked through the ranks of Corporal, Sergeant, Detective Sergeant, Patrol Lieutenant, and Captain. "This is an exciting time for me professionally and personally," he said.

"Each position has prepared me for the next. I believe the learning process along the way and the appreciation I have developed for the town and police work in general, have helped me to value each advanced position," Ingle said.

He said as he's progressed through the various positions in the department, he has demonstrated the leadership, skill, and integrity necessary to keep lasting partnerships, generate new ideas, and provide law enforcement services forged at the highest standard to the Town of Rutherfordton and the Rutherfordton Police Department.

Ingle's philosophy and approach to leadership is leading from the frontlines, "Which I believe is one of my greatest characteristics."

Ingle doesn't believe in "just sitting behind a desk." He frequently answer calls with the officers, assists them when calls get backed up or he listens out for calls so officers can eat lunch on a busy day.

He often comes out at various hours of the day and night to assist with calls that require administrative oversite or just to talk with officers.

"I will continue to support them and do everything possible to assist each employee in being a better officer and bettering themselves to help them succeed in their current positions and future advancements", Ingle continued.

He does not expect anything from his officers that he wouldn't do himself, he said.

"My main priority for the Police Department is to continue to make our community safe and secure but we will need everyone's help to accomplish this," he said. " I will encourage members of the police department and the citizens of Rutherfordton to work together to form a partnership to keep our town one of the safest cities in North Carolina.

"To be an effective Police Chief you must love the job you do, and the people you serve. Once again, I am honored to serve as Chief of Police for the Town of Rutherfordton - continuing to work as #1Town1Team," Ingle added.

He is the son of Danny and Sheila Ingle of Forest City and is married to Stephanie Ingle with one son, Jonah. He was raised in Forest City.