The Southern Pines Police Department is pleased to announce Captain Robert Heaton will be promoted to the rank of deputy chief.
Captain Heaton is a 25-year law enforcement veteran, which includes 14 years at the Southern Pines Police Department. Captain Heaton received his Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration from Columbia Southern University.
Captain Heaton is a graduate of the 294th session of the FBI National Academy, and has completed the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association Supervisory Institute, Command Institute and Executive Institute. Captain Heaton is a graduate of the Administrative Officers Management Program (AOMP) through North Carolina State University.
Over the course of his career, Captain Heaton has completed numerous law enforcement certification programs which include the Criminal Investigation Certificate Program and the Tactical Training Certificate Program. He is a general instructor, driving instructor,
firearms instructor, physical fitness instructor and compliance and control tactics instructor.
Captain Heaton assumed command, control and oversight of the daily operations of the administration division, patrol division, investigation division and directed patrol/special operations.
Brian and Staci Graybill opened their third business together, Market Square Pantry, in December 2025. Photo provided by Faith Hatton. For Fayetteville entrepreneurs Brian and Staci Graybill, building a business has often started when they were
The venue features two levels, two fully stocked bars, audio-video systems including projectors, and lighting solutions, an in-house culinary team, lounge space, a bistro section and private rooms, a state-of-the-art DJ booth and on-site staff to hel
Brad and Kelley McLawhorn became business partners in 2001 when they first opened a restaurant on Reilly Road. Now, their highly praised catering company continues to impress community members with flexibility, quality and personalized service. Photo
