County launches appointment process for vacant sheriff seat

By Staff Report, posted Jul 17, 2025 on BizFayetteville.com

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The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners has officially opened the application process to fill the Sheriff’s seat following the retirement of Ennis W. Wright, who concluded nearly 30 years of public service on June 30, 2025.

Sheriff Wright made history in 2017 as the first African American to serve as Cumberland County Sheriff. He was appointed by the Board of Commissioners, then elected by voters in 2018 and re-elected in 2022. His legacy includes expanded community outreach, strengthened public trust and a steadfast commitment to fairness in 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. 

Requirements for being sheriff include:

• The applicant is at least 21 years of age.
• The applicant has not been convicted of a felony in any state.
• The applicant is a qualified voter in Cumberland County.

"We're grateful for Sheriff Wright's years of dedicated service to Cumberland County," said Board of Commissioners Chairman Kirk deViere in a press 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."

Residents who meet the legal qualifications to serve as sheriff under NC General Statute 162-2 are invited to submit application materials to the Board of Commissioners.

Required Materials

• Letter of interest, including eligibility statement.
• Resume.
• The valid disclosure statement of no felony convictions or expungements, issued within 90 days prior to the appointment, 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 include.

Application Submission

• Submit seven complete copies.
• Hand-deliver to:

Andrea Tebbe, Clerk to the Board

Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse, 5th Floor

117 Dick St., Fayetteville, NC

• Deadline: 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 4, 2025

Appointment Meeting

The Board will determine their appointment choice during the first meeting in August.

• Date: Monday, Aug. 11, 2025
• Time: 9 a.m.
• Location: Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse, 117 Dick St., Fayetteville, NC Room 118
• Note: Applicants who have submitted all required materials will have the opportunity to speak before the Board at this meeting.

For questions regarding the process, contact the Clerk to the Board of Commissioners, Andrea Tebbe, at 910‑678‑7771, email atebbe@cumberlandcountync.gov or visit cumberlandcountync.gov/commissioners.

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