Have what it takes to be the next sheriff? Cumberland County opens application process
Wright, whose retirement ended more than three decades of public service, made history in 2017 as the first African American to serve as Cumberland County sheriff. He was first appointed by the Board of Commissioners to finish the term of retiring Sheriff Earl "Moose" Butler, then elected to his first four-year term by voters in 2018 and reelected in 2022.
"His legacy includes expanded community outreach, strengthened public trust, and a steadfast commitment to fairness in law enforcement," the release said.
The release states that the county Board of Commissioners is tasked by law with appointing someone to serve the remainder of Ennis' term, which ends after a new sheriff is elected in November 2026.
"We're grateful for Sheriff Wright's years of dedicated service to Cumberland County," board Chairman Kirk deViere said in a county news release. "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."
Application process
To qualify, applicants must be at least 21 years old, free of felony convictions in any state and a qualified voter in Cumberland County.
Residents who meet the qualifications can submit the following application materials to the Board of Commissioners:
• A letter of interest, including an eligibility statement.
• A resume.
• A valid disclosure statement, issued within 90 days of the appointment, of no felony convictions or expungements. The statement must be prepared by the North Carolina Sheriffs' Education and Training Standards Commission.
• Any additional information the applicant wishes to include.
Applicants must hand deliver seven complete copies, one for each commissioner, to board clerk Andrea Tebbe at the Cumberland County Courthouse, 117 Dick St., Fayetteville. Questions on the process can be directed to Tebbe at 910‑678‑7771, by email at atebbe@cumberlandcountync.gov or online at cumberlandcountync.gov/commissioners.
The application process closes Aug. 4.
The board will determine its appointment choice at its 9 a.m. meeting Aug. 11. The meeting will be held in Room 118 at the courthouse. Applicants will have the opportunity to speak before the appointment is announced, the release said.
In announcing his retirement, Wright requested that Maj. Jonathan Morgan be appointed to succeed him. Until a new sheriff is selected by the board, Chief Deputy C. Jack Broadus is serving as acting sheriff.
F.T. Norton can be reached at fnorton@fayobserver.com.
(This story has been updated to reflect that Ennis Wright served in public service for more than 30 years. His first job in law enforcement was with the Spring Lake Police Department in 1994.)
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Applicants sought to fill Cumberland County sheriff vacancy
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