Apex selects new police chief

John Letteney, the police chief of Southern Pines for the last seven years, will be the newest chief of police for Apex, town officials announced Wednesday. 

Letteney was chosen from more than 100 applicants and six finalists for the position and will replace Jack Lewis, who recently announced his retirement after a 37-year career in law enforcement.

Letteney is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, holds a master's degree in public administration, a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and has more than 30 years of law enforcement experience. 

"Chief Letteney exhibited the characteristics that are essential in the police chief: experience, knowledge, expertise and integrity," Apex Town Manager Bruce Radford said in a statement. 

Letteney said in a statement that he is excited to start work in Apex and promised to help deliver professional services to the town's residents. He will be sworn in at a public ceremony at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 18, prior to the Town Council's regular meeting. 

"Public safety is a top priority for Apex residents, and we anticipate a seamless transition in leadership that will continue to move our progressive department forward," Mayor Keith Weatherly said in a statement.