Kemberle Braden announced as Fayetteville's next chief of police

"I'm grateful for the opportunity and ready for this responsibility," Braden said.

Braden has more than 26 years of experience in law enforcement, starting his career with the Fayetteville Police Department in 1996.

"I'm extremely thankful for the opportunity to continue to serve the Fayetteville community, which I've called home for the past 45 years," Braden said. "I look forward to bringing what I've learned throughout my career to lead the Fayetteville Police Department as many have done before me."

Previously, Braden oversaw the department's field operations, serving as assistant chief within the department. He also has military connections.

"I've served the Fayetteville community for the past 27 years, and I'm originally from Fayetteville," said Braden. "My father was a retired Special Forces soldier out at Fort Bragg."

Braden said he doesn't have a specific leadership style, but rather he adjusts to the moment.

"I wouldn't say I have a specific leadership style," he said. "I think I adjust to the moment what needs to happen at any given time. There's times when we can be diplomatic, and we can take the time to figure out a problem together. And there's times in crisis situations where you have to be more authoritative in your approach to leadership. So I think it depends on the time and the situation, and I adjust accordingly."

Hewitt said it was challenging to make a decision, but Braden stuck out to him during the interview process.

"One of the things that Chief Braden talked about during the interview process that was so appealing to me and to others was the fact that we may not necessarily be the strongest, we may not be the fastest, we may not be the smartest, but as chief, it is his ability, it is his requirement -- as it was with (outgoing) chief (Gina) Hawkins -- to bring all of those people together to be able to tackle the issues that we have afoot," Hewitt said.

Braden thanked Hawkins for her leadership and service to the community the past five years.

"For me personally, she has provided opportunities that allowed me to grow as an officer and an individual, and prepared me for my time to lead," Braden said.

He said he will begin with conversations within the department to discuss ways to improve morale, recruitment and retention.

"We will start conversations and develop strategic plans that align our departmental strengths with the needs of our community," he said.

Braden said the force is evaluating domestic violence and homicides that occurred this year, and taking the time to figure out what they could have done better, as a department.

"We're constantly looking at and evaluating the violent crime that's occurring and finding out what, moving forward, the best practices are and what we need to change in response to those types of calls for service to improve and reduce those types of crime," he said.