John Thomas
3301 East Main Street Claremont,NC
Summary
Dynamic and adaptable professional with 25 years of extensive experience in law enforcement, demonstrating a strong track record of effective leadership and strategic problem-solving. Expertise in prioritizing tasks and managing complex situations ensures optimal outcomes in high-pressure environments. Committed to fostering collaboration and enhancing team performance while maintaining a focus on community safety and engagement. A results-driven approach combined with a deep understanding of law enforcement operations positions this candidate as an invaluable asset to any organization.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief of Police
City of Claremont
Claremont, North Carolina
05.2024 - Current
- Leveraged social media platforms for effective communication with the public about important safety alerts, events, and department news updates.
- Implemented community-oriented policing initiatives, strengthening trust between officers and citizens.
- Developed comprehensive training programs to ensure officer preparedness, resulting in increased professionalism and performance.
- Managed a multi-million-dollar budget, consistently delivering services within fiscal constraints while maximizing available resources for crime prevention efforts.
- Spearheaded successful recruitment campaigns, attracting highly qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds to join the force.
- Collaborated with other law enforcement agencies to enhance regional security and information sharing capabilities.
- Enhanced departmental efficiency with streamlined processes and updated technology systems.
- Created partnerships with local schools to implement anti-bullying programs addressing both physical altercations as well as cyberbullying incidents effectively.
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with media outlets, ensuring accurate and transparent coverage of departmental activities at all times.
- Improved community safety by implementing proactive policing strategies and fostering strong relationships with local organizations.
- Introduced innovative traffic enforcement strategies that reduced motor vehicle accidents, thereby enhancing road safety for all users in the jurisdiction.
Assistant Chief of Police
Sylva Police Department
Sylva, North Carolina
06.2021 - 05.2024
- Supervised and coordinated investigation of criminal cases, offering guidance, and expertise to investigators and conducting procedures in accordance with laws and regulations.
- Developed, implemented, and revised departmental policies and procedures.
- Prepared budgets and managed expenditures of department funds.
- Monitored and evaluated job performance of subordinates and authorized promotions and transfers.
- Prepared news releases and responded to media correspondence.
- Met with civic, educational, and community groups to develop community programs and events, and to discuss law enforcement subjects.
- Disciplined staff for violation of department rules and regulations.
- Investigated and resolved personnel problems within the organization and charges of misconduct against staff.
- Prepared work schedules and assigned duties to subordinates.
- Developed and manage police social worker program resulting in being awarded 2023 agency of the year by the NC Police Executive Association.
Security Manager
AdventHealth Hendersonville
Hendersonville, NC
06.2020 - 06.2021
- Responsible for safety and security of a $400 million national corporation facility with 35 different locations and over 1,250 employees
- Designed facility safety and security policy, procedures, security department, and all access control and CCTV systems.
- Produce and manage department budget.
- Negotiate contracts with vendors and suppliers.
- Conducted physical examinations of property to verify compliance with security policies and regulations.
- Analyzed and evaluated security operations to identify risks or opportunities for improvement.
- Supervised subordinate security professionals, assigned work, and evaluated performance.
Police Officer
Gaston Co. Police Department
Gastonia, NC
05.2019 - 06.2020
- Conducted investigations into criminal violations such robbery, property crimes, sexual assaults, narcotics trafficking, fraud, embezzlement.
- Interviewed witnesses and victims, interrogated and arrested suspects, prepared and executed search warrants, consulted with other officers, prosecuting attorneys, and developed and maintained positive relationships with other agencies.
Agent in Charge
Buncombe Co. Sheriff's Office
Asheville, North Carolina
01.2011 - 01.2019
- Agency Head of Buncombe Co. Anti-Crime Task Force.
- Produced and managed annual budget and assets exceeding $5 million.
- Responsible for purchasing and inventory management for all equipment, supplies, and vehicle fleet.
- Supervised over 100 different detectives conducting long term investigations into criminal violations such as homicide, kidnapping, armed robbery, property crimes, sexual assaults, narcotics trafficking, fraud, embezzlement, and child exploitation.
- Conducted and supervised over 2,000 high felony level criminal investigations.
- Approved, prepared, and executed search warrants and investigative reports, arrested suspects, seized evidence, interviewed, and interrogated suspects.
- In charge of all tactical operations to include fugitive investigation and apprehension, high risk search and arrest warrant execution, dignitary protection, and all undercover operations.
- Conducted covert surveillance, debriefed informants, interviewed witnesses and victims, conducted computer and cellular forensic examinations, consulted with other officers, prosecuting attorneys at the state and federal level, and developed and maintained positive relationships with other agencies including the N.C SBI, DEA, ATF, HSI, and FBI.
- Member of N.C ICAC Task Force.
Owner and President
M&J Salons
Asheville, NC
09.2004 - 01.2018
- Managed operations, sales, and finances for company with two physical locations
- Managed all human resource functions for 20 employees, risk management, marketing, customer relations, IT functions and strategic planning.
- Produced and managed annual budgets
- Negotiated contracts and agreements with business partners, vendors, and customers.
- Performed detailed financial analyses to identify and address areas of potential concern.
Criminal Investigator
Yancey County Sheriff's Office
Burnsville, NC
07.2008 - 11.2010
- Conducted long-term criminal and narcotic investigations.
- Prepared and executed search warrants and investigative reports, arrested suspects, seized evidence, interrogated suspects, and interviewed witnesses and victims.
- Conducted covert surveillance, debriefed informants, made undercover purchases, consulted with other officers, prosecuting attorneys at the state and federal level, and developed and maintained positive relationships with other agencies including the N.C SBI, DEA, US Secret Service, US Marshal Service, and FBI.
- Member of N.C. ICAC Task Force.
Operations Manager
Strategic Healthcare Advisors, LLC
Asheville, NC
01.2007 - 07.2008
- Developed online and print advertising and marketing strategy for clients.
- Produced and directed national conferences for long-term strategic clients.
- Responsible for all logistics for venue and program with 100+ attendees
- Efforts increased clients' sales, producing new business opportunities and growth.
- Assisted in production and management of company budget.
- Tracked company inventories and ordered new products to replenish equipment levels.
- Reviewed customer and staff feedback to improve operational strategies and eliminate obstacles.
Criminal Investigator
Buncombe County Sheriff's Office
Asheville, NC
01.2002 - 12.2006
- Trained new officers and conducted long-term undercover narcotics investigations.
- Prepared and executed search warrants and investigative reports, arrested suspects, seized evidence, interviewed, and interrogated suspects.
- Conducted covert surveillance, interviewed witnesses and victims, debriefed informants, made undercover purchases, consulted with other officers and prosecuting attorneys at the state and federal level.
- Conducted tactical operations to include fugitive investigation and apprehension, high risk search and arrest warrant execution, dignitary protection, and undercover operations.
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with other agencies including the N.C SBI, DEA, US Secret Service, US Marshal Service, and FBI.
Deputy Sheriff
Yancey County Sheriff's Office
Burnsville, NC
01.2000 - 01.2002
- Team Leader of Special Response Team
- Responded to calls for service, interrogated and arrested suspects, interviewed witnesses and victims, investigated crimes, completed incident reports, and served criminal and civil process.
- Supervised and planned all training and missions of the Special Response Team (SWAT)
- In charge of all tactical operations to include fugitive investigation and apprehension, high risk search and arrest warrant execution, dignitary protection.
Administrative Assistant
Regional Radiation Oncology
Asheville, NC
05.1999 - 01.2000
- Responsible for purchasing and inventory management for a seven-site corporation and assisted in production and management of company budget.
- Maintained product knowledge for all items purchased for the corporation from multiple suppliers.
- Communicated daily with the management and vendors regarding information of needed products and helped to lead efforts in reducing costs for the corporation.
- Handled daily invoicing and inventory replenishment.
- Responsible for Payroll for 40+ employees.
Police Officer
Asheville Police Department
Asheville, NC
08.1998 - 05.1999
- Responded to calls for service, investigated crimes, arrested suspects, interviewed witnesses and victims, completed incident reports, and served criminal process.
Education
Master of Science - Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement Leadership
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA07.2021
Bachelor of Arts - American Studies, Business Administration
Queens College
Charlotte, NC05.1998
Skills
- Criminal investigation management
- Workforce management
- Coordination of social work initiatives in policing
- Operational policing techniques
- Performance assessment
- Policy and Procedure Development & Implementation
- Surveillance operations management
- Budget management
- Stakeholder engagement
- Tactical operations
- Strategic leadership
- Research and analysis proficiency
- Criminal investigation
- Community engagement
- Crisis management
- Collaborative teamwork
- Analytical problem-solving
- Collaborative team management
- Effective organizational skills
- Strategic operational planning
- Risk analysis
- Measurable goal planning
- Organizational strategy development
- Community engagement strategies
- Team leadership
- Crisis resolution strategies
Accomplishments
Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command
N.C. State University Administrative Officers Management Program
FBI LEEDA Leadership Trilogy Award
FBI Command College
FBI National Command Course
N.C. Justice Academy Leadership Certificate Program
N.C. C.J. Standards & Sheriff's Standards Advanced Law Enforcement Certifications
Timeline
Chief of Police
City of Claremont
05.2024 - Current
Assistant Chief of Police
Sylva Police Department
06.2021 - 05.2024
Security Manager
AdventHealth Hendersonville
06.2020 - 06.2021
Police Officer
Gaston Co. Police Department
05.2019 - 06.2020
Agent in Charge
Buncombe Co. Sheriff's Office
01.2011 - 01.2019
Criminal Investigator
Yancey County Sheriff's Office
07.2008 - 11.2010
Operations Manager
Strategic Healthcare Advisors, LLC
01.2007 - 07.2008
Owner and President
M&J Salons
09.2004 - 01.2018
Criminal Investigator
Buncombe County Sheriff's Office
01.2002 - 12.2006
Deputy Sheriff
Yancey County Sheriff's Office
01.2000 - 01.2002
Administrative Assistant
Regional Radiation Oncology
05.1999 - 01.2000
Police Officer
Asheville Police Department
08.1998 - 05.1999
Master of Science - Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement Leadership
Liberty University
Bachelor of Arts - American Studies, Business Administration
Queens College
Similar Profiles
Alyssa JurkevicsAlyssa Jurkevics
Planning Intern at City of ClaremontPlanning Intern at City of Claremont
Jessica MarroJessica Marro
Emergency Communications Specialist at City Of ClaremontEmergency Communications Specialist at City Of Claremont
Miguel Angel PerezMiguel Angel Perez
Maintenance Craftsworker 1 at City Of ClaremontMaintenance Craftsworker 1 at City Of Claremont
DEVENDRA KUBAIRDEVENDRA KUBAIR
Maintenance Engineer Supervisor at Guyana Marriott HotelMaintenance Engineer Supervisor at Guyana Marriott Hotel
Kem (KJ) Martin, IIKem (KJ) Martin, II
Assistant Vice President of Visitor Experience at Muhammad Ali CenterAssistant Vice President of Visitor Experience at Muhammad Ali Center