Cumberland County Seeks New Sheriff After Wright's Retirement

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners has officially initiated the search for a new Sheriff, following the retirement of Ennis W. Wright on June 30, 2025. Sheriff Wright concluded a distinguished career spanning nearly three decades, leaving behind a significant legacy as the county's first African American Sheriff.

Sheriff Wright, who was initially appointed in 2017 and subsequently elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2022, is lauded for his commitment to expanding community outreach, bolstering public trust, and upholding fairness within law enforcement.

In accordance with North Carolina General Statutes 162-2 and 162-5, the Board of Commissioners will appoint a qualified resident to serve the remainder of the term. Prospective applicants must meet specific criteria: they must be at least 21 years of age, have no felony convictions in any state, and be a qualified voter in Cumberland County.

"We're grateful for Sheriff Wright's years of dedicated service to Cumberland County," stated Board of Commissioners Chairman Kirk deViere. "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 Details:

Qualified residents interested in the position are invited to submit their application materials to the Board of Commissioners.

Required Materials:

• A letter of interest, including a statement of eligibility.

• A comprehensive resume.

• A valid disclosure statement of no felony convictions or expungements, issued within 90 days prior to the appointment. This statement must be prepared by the North Carolina Sheriffs' Education and Training Standards Commission pursuant to Article 3 of Chapter 17E of the General Statutes.

• Any additional information the applicant wishes to provide.

Submission Guidelines:

Applicants must submit seven complete copies of all required materials, one for each Commissioner. These materials must be hand-delivered to Andrea Tebbe, Clerk to the Board, at the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse, 5th Floor, 117 Dick St., Fayetteville, NC.

The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. on Monday, August 4, 2025.

Appointment Meeting:

The Board of Commissioners will make their appointment decision during their first meeting in August, scheduled for Monday, August 11, 2025, at 9 a.m. The meeting will take place in Room 118 of the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse, located at 117 Dick St., Fayetteville, NC. Applicants who have submitted all required materials will be given the opportunity to speak before the Board at this meeting.