SELMA, N.C. (WNCN) — The Town of Selma announced Thursday morning that Selma Police Chief William M. Thomas is retiring.

Thomas, also known as “Chief Billy”, served the town for 20 years. His retirement will be effective Oct. 1.

Thomas began his career as a dispatcher in 2003 and completed Basic Law Enforcement Training in 2007. Over the next 11 years with the police department, he served as a patrol officer, senior officer, patrol sergeant, and patrol captain. According to the town, he has been a citizen of Selma for 26 years.

Thomas was the Selma Police Officer of the Year in 2010 and became the Chief of Police in 2018.

“Chief Billy Thomas has tirelessly protected and served the Selma community for two
decades,” Selma Mayor Byron McAllister stated. “He has overseen the significant growth
and improvement of our Selma Police Department in recent years. The positive impact
he has had on the Town of Selma cannot be overstated.”

The town said Chief Thomas will remain in Selma, travel, and enjoy quality time with his family.