Chapel Hill Police Chief To Retire After 25 Years of Service

After 25 years of serving the Town of Chapel Hill, Police Chief Chris Blue announced he is retiring in December.

Blue said in a statement from the Town of Chapel Hill that announcing his retirement is bittersweet.

“It has truly been an honor to serve as a police officer in my hometown for all these years and I still love every minute of it,” said the police chief. “But, it is time for me to try other things and make space for the next leader of this outstanding organization. They will be taking over the most progressive and innovative law enforcement agency in this state and I’m excited to see what’s next for the incredible team at CHPD.”

Chapel Hill Police Chief Chris Blue. (Photo via the Town of Chapel Hill.)

Blue was appointed as Chief of Police in December 2010. He was previously sworn in as a patrol officer in November 1997.

During Blue’s tenure as police chief he led investigations into the shooting of three Muslim college students at Finley Forest Condominiums and the murder of Faith Hedgepeth where her suspected killer was arrested in September 2021.

Additionally, Blue led town staff in preparations for three UNC men’s basketball Final Four appearances and annual Halloween celebrations. He also expanded the Police Crisis Unit.

“I want to thank Chief Blue for his many years of dedicated service to the Town,” said Town Manager Maurice Jones in a release from the Town of Chapel Hill. “He and his staff have collaborated with the community, the town council and personnel from throughout our organization to make Chapel Hill a safe and welcoming community. His commitment to our town will be sorely missed.”

The Town of Chapel Hill said in a release they are developing a process to fill the position with opportunities for public input.

“That process will be announced soon, with the goal of having the new chief hired prior to Chief Blue’s retirement,” the town release said.

Featured Photo via Town of Chapel Hill

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our biweekly newsletter.

‹

Chapel Hill Police Encourage Vacationers to Complete House Check Requests

With the summer vacation season upon us, Chapel Hill Police Chief Chris Blue is encouraging citizens to once again inform the police of when their house will be vacant by filling out a house check form. Blue said the police saw a dramatic 38 percent decrease in residential break-ins during the past holiday season, which […]

Orange County Sheriff's Office Details String of Break-Ins, Larceny Charges Against 2 Teenagers

The Orange County Sheriff's Office formally announced criminal charges against a pair of 18-year-olds for a string of break-ins in November.

Chapel Hill Crystal and Craft Shop Reports Break-In; Owner Plans to Keep Operating

A business off West Franklin Street is picking up the pieces and investigating an overnight break-in on Friday. The metaphysical and spiritual gifts shop Quantum Soul located at 109 Graham Street reported damage and stolen items to Chapel Hill Police shortly after 10 a.m. on Friday. Lynn Swain, the co-owner and operator of the store, […]

Here's Which Local Government Services in Orange County Are Affected by the Juneteenth Holiday

With Juneteenth on Wednesday, the local governments in Orange County will delay or hold a variety of services to recognize the holiday.

Orange County Investigators Identify, Charge 4 Men in Connection to Chapel Hill Thefts

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office announced Thursday it obtained warrants against a quartet of men in connection to two recent break-ins in Chapel Hill. A release from the office said investigators — chiefly Investigator Kevin Stewart — worked with agencies in surrounding counties and other states to identify the suspects, who are four Chilean men […]

Chapel Hill Police Share Details on Increase of Car Break-ins

Over the last three months, there has been a rise in reported car break-ins, according to Chapel Hill Police. The department shared a release on Thursday, saying it received 122 reports of cars being broken into over that time period. Police said most of the break-ins happened overnight and in residential areas of town. Eleven […]

Sheriff Charges 2 Over Orange County Business Break-Ins

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office says two Alamance County residents facing several felony counts in their jurisdiction were recently detained. A release from the office on Thursday said 44-year-old Patrick Crisp and 25-year-old Jaquacey Smith are allegedly behind a string of convenience store burglaries from mid-September. Investigators with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office took out […]

DEQ Considers Brownfields Program for Chapel Hill Police Station Property

Studies are being conducted to determine if the EPA Brownfields Program can be used to clean up and redevelop the 828 MLK Jr. property.

Chapel Hill Police Chief Chris Blue

Chapel Hill Police Chief Chris Blue spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, June 8th.  He discussed his decision to retire from the police force, the legacy he's leaving behind, and what comes next for him and the department. 

Chapel Hill Police Chief To Retire After 25 Years of Service

After 25 years of serving the Town of Chapel Hill, Police Chief Chris Blue announced he is retiring in December.

›