Chief Williams Awarded With Order of the Long Leaf Pine

Published on June 18, 2025

WPD Chief Williams receiving Order of the Long Leaf Pine

Wilmington Police Department Chief Donny Williams is set to retire next Friday, June 27, marking this week's City Council meeting as his last. To honor his 33 years of service to the community, Donny was awarded the North Carolina Order of the Long Leaf Pine.

Since 1963, North Carolina's governors have reserved the highest honor, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, for persons who have made significant contributions to the state and their communities through exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments.

A native of Wilmington, Chief Williams got his start at WPD as a Summer Youth Worker assigned to the Office of the Chief. He served as a police cadet before becoming a sworn officer in December 1992. He steadily rose through the ranks as a dedicated protector of the community. In addition to patrol, his specialized assignments included Crime Prevention, DARE, and Housing.

Wilmington City Council unanimously approved Donny as the chief of police in June 2020.

Under Chief Williams' leadership, crime in Wilmington has neared a “multi-year low,” Mayor Bill Saffo said, and he is credited with expanding WPD's Police Activities League (PAL), where more than 500 young residents participate annually.

While presenting the award during June 17's council meeting, Mayor Bill Saffo recalled Chief Williams' devotion throughout civil unrest of 2020, “particularly in affected neighborhoods, to listen to concerns, address grievances, facilitate dialogue, and promote peaceful solutions." He also noted the chief's leadership through Hurricane Florence, where he played an integral role in responding to unprecedented public safety concerns.

Chief Williams holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Mt. Olive College in Management and Organizational Development and is a graduate of the Administrative Officer’s Management Program at North Carolina State University.