News Flash

December 9, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NORTH WILKSBORO POLICE CHIEF JOE RANKIN TO RETIRE; CAPTAIN ROB THORNBURG NAMED INTERIM CHIEF OF POLICE

[NORTH WILKESBORO, NC, December 9, 2020] – North Wilkesboro Police Chief Joe Rankin will retire January 4, 2021. Rankin announced his intention to retire to the Mayor, Board of Commissioners, Town Manager, and NWPD staff late last week.

“I’m happy for Chief Rankin but sad for the Town of North Wilkesboro,” said Town Manager Wilson Hooper. “Joe’s had a long and impactful career in law enforcement in this region of the state. He’s earned his retirement.”

Chief Rankin has led NWPD since April 2010. Prior to becoming chief, he served for twenty-five years with the North Carolina Highway Patrol. He began his career in law enforcement with the Gastonia Police Department in 1981.

According to North Wilkesboro Mayor Robert Johnson “Chief Rankin developed one of the best police departments in the state, bar none. He’s had many great accomplishments as chief, and he always showed honor and respect to his officers and our citizens.”  

Johnson continued: “Not only that, he was a dear friend and supporter of my leadership as Mayor. I will miss him greatly as I’m sure many others will also.”

In addition to his many on-the-job accomplishments, Chief Rankin was a past three-term president of the Wilkes Law Enforcement Officers Association, a past adjunct instructor at Wilkes Community College, and the 2018 winner of Best Public Servant in the Journal-Patriot’s Best of Wilkes survey.  

In related news, the Town Manager has named Captain Rob Thornburg as Interim Chief of Police. Thornburg is a twenty-five-year veteran of the NWPD. He currently heads the department’s criminal investigations, narcotics, and records/communications divisions.

In addition to his years of experience, Thornburg holds a lengthy portfolio of trainings and certifications including Advanced Law Enforcement certification and completion of the Advanced Public Safety Leadership Institute at Central Piedmont Community College.

In the weeks to come, the Town of North Wilkesboro will share information on the process for filling the position permanently.