WPD Announces Two Leadership Hires
Published on June 12, 2026
The City of Wilmington and Wilmington Police Department have announced two significant leadership appointments that will take effect on July 13.
City of Wilmington Selects Brooke Wright as Assistant Chief of Police
The City of Wilmington has selected Brooke Wright as Assistant Chief of Police for the Wilmington Police Department following a competitive national recruitment process. Wright will begin her new role on July 13, 2026.
Wright brings nearly three decades of law enforcement experience and executive leadership to Wilmington. She joins the department from the Fairfax County Police Department in Virginia, where she most recently served as Assistant Chief after advancing through every rank within the organization, from dispatcher to executive leadership. Prior to beginning her law enforcement career, Wright served in the United States Air Force, where she developed the leadership foundation that would guide her public service career.
As Assistant Chief, Wright will assist in the overall management and administration of the department, providing leadership in strategic planning, succession planning, policy development, organizational improvement initiatives, and department-wide operations. She will work closely with Chief Ryan Zuidema and the department's leadership team to support the agency's mission of community partnership, organizational excellence, transparency, and continuous improvement.
“I am excited to welcome Assistant Chief Wright to the WPD. She brings decades of strong law enforcement leadership experience, which will greatly benefit both our community and department. Her extensive background in operations, criminal investigations, personnel development, and interagency collaboration will be a tremendous asset as we continue strengthening public safety and organizational excellence,” said Chief Ryan Zuidema.
Throughout her career, Wright has led initiatives to reduce violent crime, strengthen officer wellness, modernize police operations, and improve recruitment and retention. She directed the creation of a Violent Crime Suppression Unit that successfully apprehended violent offenders while prioritizing officer and community safety; oversaw human resources functions, including recruiting, retention, and background investigations; and helped establish a nationally recognized Health and Wellness Unit focused on supporting employee wellbeing and resilience. She also led efforts that reduced department vacancies while increasing applicant interest and strengthening the future leadership pipeline within the organization.
Wright holds a Master of Public Safety degree from the University of Virginia and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Bluefield College. She is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the Major Cities Chiefs Association Police Executive Leadership Institute, and the Southern Police Institute's Strategic Management for 21st Century Policing program. She currently maintains an FBI Top Secret Security Clearance and was recognized with the Fairfax County Police Department's Chief's Eagle Award in 2024.
Wilmington Police Department Promotes Rodney Dawson to Deputy Chief of Police
After a nationwide search, Wilmington Police Chief Ryan Zuidema has announced the promotion of Captain Rodney Dawson to Deputy Chief of Police, effective July 13.
Dawson brings more than 22 years of law enforcement experience to the role, including eight years in executive command positions with the Wilmington Police Department. Most recently, he has served as Acting Deputy Chief of Police of the Uniform Patrol Bureau, providing executive leadership and operational oversight for patrol operations and department resources.
"Deputy Chief Dawson has served the WPD with distinction for more than two decades. He has demonstrated strong leadership, deep knowledge of our community, and a commitment to community policing. His promotion recognizes both his proven experience and the confidence we have in his ability to help guide our agency forward. I look forward to working with Deputy Chief Dawson as we continue our mission to serve and protect the residents of Wilmington,” said Chief Ryan Zuidema.
Since joining the department in 2003, Dawson has steadily advanced through the ranks, serving as a police officer, corporal, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, and acting Deputy Chief of Police. Throughout his tenure, he has led a wide range of operational, investigative, and administrative functions, including oversight of the Criminal Investigations, Uniform Patrol, and Administrative Services Divisions.
As a captain, Dawson spearheaded several department-wide technology and modernization initiatives, including the implementation of body-worn cameras, TASER technology, digital evidence management systems, and other tools designed to improve accountability, transparency, and operational effectiveness. He also helped strengthen partnerships with the District Attorney's Office and led efforts to improve compliance, training, and organizational processes.
In his new role, Dawson will oversee bureau operations, personnel, training initiatives, and strategic projects while supporting the department's continued focus on community partnerships, professional excellence, and organizational effectiveness. The Deputy Chief of Police position plays a critical leadership role in managing day-to-day operations and advancing the department's long-term goals.
Dawson holds a Master of Arts in Conflict Management and Resolution with a concentration in National and International Security from the University of North Carolina Wilmington and a Bachelor of Science degree from Mount Olive University. He recently completed the Senior Management Institute for Police, a Police Executive Research Forum program that is one of the nation's premier executive leadership programs for law enforcement professionals.