WILMINGTON — When Wilmington Police Chief Ralph Evangelous officially retires in February the City of Wilmington’s City Council will have a choice to make — who’s next? It now looks like Evangelous’ successor will be none other than 29-year veteran Assistant Chief Donny Williams.
As a 29-year veteran with the Wilmington Police Department, Williams has worked his way through the ranks starting off as a summertime youth employee and spending two years as a cadet before becoming a sworn police officer.
On Thursday, Mayor of Wilmington Bill Saffo, along with Evangelous and other members of City Council held a brief press conference to announce a resolution naming Williams as interim-chief will be voted on at an upcoming council meeting.
“As an officer, he worked in various patrol and specialized assignments including Crime Prevention, DARE and Housing. As a Police Captain, he managed the Support Services Division where he oversaw the agency’s $24 million dollar budget for several years and the agency’s largest Patrol division. As a Deputy Chief he oversaw, the Special Investigations and Criminal Investigations Divisions. Over the last decade, Williams oversaw the design, development, and completion of the Haynes – Lacewell Police and Fire Training Facility,” according to a city statement.
If approved, Williams will take over as the top cop on February 1.
“I am deeply honored and overjoyed to be considered for this opportunity. I was born and raised in Wilmington and the City of Wilmington has a special place in my heart. Serving and protecting the citizens of this community is of the greatest importance to me — and if chosen as chief, I will serve with respect and dignity,” Williams said.
City Council will make a decision at their upcoming council meeting, it is not yet clear if the city plans on making the position full time or just interim for the time being.
