Spring Lake police chief to retire

"This is a decision that was reached after much personal thought. It was not an easy decision, but I know it is the right decision for me personally," McDuffie said in a statement. "Although, the passion to protect and serve still burns inside me, I feel it's now time for the next generation to lead, which will open up leadership opportunities for others."

The 53-year-old has been in law enforcement for three decades, serving as chief deputy of the Hoke County Sheriff's Office, an officer and detective with the Fayetteville Police Department and police chief in Red Springs before taking over the Spring Lake Police Department in late 2009.

The department had been stripped of its law enforcement duties seven months earlier after two officers were indicted amid a State Bureau of Investigation corruption probe. Within two months of McDuffie's arrival, Spring Lake officers were back on the street.

"I can proudly say that the hard work, dedication and commitment of my officers and staff contributed directly to the current success of the (department)," McDuffie said in his statement.

During his tenure, the department has grown from eight to 35 sworn law enforcement officers, created a Special Response Team to handle complex situations and was an early adopter of body cameras for officers.

"The Town of Spring Lake and I were a great fit from the start. We all wanted the same thing – a great community with an incredible quality of life," he said. "Without a doubt, the Town of Spring Lake has been unwavering in their level of commitment to see the (department) succeed, even throughout extraordinarily challenging times."

There was no immediate word on a search for a new police chief.