Anthony Kelly to serve as interim Fayetteville police chief

Kelly has been the assistant chief since January 2015 and has 22 years of law enforcement experience, Interim City Manager Doug Hewitt said in a news release.

“Interim Chief Kelly has shown exceptional leadership as an assistant chief, overseeing the patrol bureau and nearly 280 sworn officers and 16 non-sworn employees,” Hewett said in a statement. “Interim Chief Kelly has a great relationship with residents and community and religious leaders in Fayetteville. I am confident that he will do an excellent job of leading the Fayetteville Police Department during this transitional period.”

Kelly has served as Medlock's backup when requested and served as project manager for specialized patrol operations events, Hewitt said.

“I would like to thank Interim City Manager Doug Hewett for having the confidence in me to lead the Fayetteville Police Department as interim police chief,” Kelly said in a statement. “I thank retiring Police Chief Harold Medlock for having promoted me to assistant chief and always being supportive of my career and my officers. I will do my best and work my hardest to continue providing excellent law enforcement services to the residents of Fayetteville.”

Kelly holds a bachelor of science degree from Fayetteville State University and attended the West Point Leadership program at Methodist University and the FBI National Academy’s 252nd session.