The City of Fayetteville now has a new Chief of Police.

City Manager Doug Hewett announced Kemberle Braden as the new Chief in a press conference held on Dec. 28 in City Hall. 

The announcement comes following  more than a year long search after it was announced that current Police Chief Gina Hawkins would be retiring in Jan. 2023. 

Chief select Braden has more than 26 years in law enforcement in the Fayetteville Police Department, beginning his tenure as a police officer in 1996. He was then promoted throughout the course of his career in 2008, 2015, 2018, and 2019 before becoming an Assistant Chief, overseeing the Field of Operations Bureau.

“I'm extremely thankful for the opportunity to continue to serve the Fayetteville community, which I've called home for the past 45 years… I look forward to bringing what I've learned throughout my career to lead the Fayetteville Police Department as many of those have done before me. I'm grateful for the opportunity and ready for this responsibility,” said Braden. 

The City sought out an external partner, Developmental Associates, to manage the search process, identify and screen candidates through multiple rounds of interviews and interactions. 

“We are truly fortunate to have identified exceptionally qualified candidates through the search, and making an internal hire exemplifies how well we cultivate and nurture talent from within,” remarked City Manager Doug Hewett.