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Over the course of his career, Kevin would wear the titles of Patrol Officer, Patrol Sergeant, Detective Sergeant, Detective Lieutenant, Field Operations Captain, Services Captain, Major, and ultimately, Chief. While devoting himself to each of these roles, Kevin also continued to pursue various certificates and accolades, including the Intermediate Law Enforcement Certificate, Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate, and completion of the yearlong Management Development Program through the North Carolina Justice Academy. As Chief, he has served on the Mecklenburg County Criminal Justice Advisory Group and the State Employees Credit Union Advisory Board.

Supporting Kevin through each phase of his career has been his loving wife, Shelly. The pair have two sons, Landry and Sawyer. Landry is a Sophomore at Liberty University and Sawyer is a Sophomore at Bandys High School. While we're certain that Kevin won't be "taking it easy" following his retirement, we are certain that he'll be spending plenty of well-deserved quality time with his family.

With the greatest sincerity that we can muster, we want to thank Chief Kevin Black for everything. For his time, for his patience, for his dedication, for his friendship, for his leadership. Beyond being Chief of Police, Kevin is also an extraordinary man. Each of us here at the Town, and certainly many of you in the community, are better for having known and worked with Kevin. He is helpful, even when busy; tolerant, even when challenged; kind, even when it's hard to be.

Happy retirement, Chief.

Meet Major David Baucom

Stepping up to lead our Police Department will be Major David Baucom, about whom we have just as many good things to say.

David is a Charlotte native who has built an impressive career in law enforcement that started with the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office in 1992. During his time there, he worked in the jails, fugitive/transport division, and in the domestic violence unit where he served and enforced protective orders.

He started with the Cornelius Police Department on April 19, 1999. Over his years with the Department, David has climbed through the ranks of Master Police Officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and now, Major. In preparation for his promotion to Chief, David went back to school, and after countless hours of hard work, he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from UNC Pembroke.

David and his wife, Karen, married in 1999. Their son, Tyler, graduated from App State in 2021 and has recently begun his career as a teacher. Their daughter, Brooke, is a Senior at Guilford College where she is also pursuing a degree in Education.

We have no doubt that David will forge a great legacy as the next Chief of the Cornelius Police Department. He has had the opportunity to work in every division of the Department over the years and has gained great insight into all of the functions that the Department performs. David is a man of impeccable character, and has never failed to put a smile on our faces. He's a natural leader, has a strong moral compass, and will continue to do incredible work throughout his career.

Congratulations, Major!