Police Chief Jeff Leonard set to retire February 1, retirement reception set for January 29

After more than three decades of service to the Town of Wake Forest, Police Chief Jeff Leonard has announced his retirement effective February 1, 2025. Capt. Julius Jefferson will serve as Interim Police Chief until a permanent successor is named.

Leonard’s retirement caps a 32-year career in public service, the last 15 as Wake Forest Police Chief making him Wake County’s longest serving Chief of Police.

A Wake Forest native and NC State graduate, Leonard began his career in public service as a volunteer with the Wake Forest Fire Department in 1987, where he served until 2010. 

Leonard joined the Wake Forest Police Department (WFPD) as a part-time auxiliary officer in 1992 before becoming a full-time officer in August 1994. Over the next several years, he served in a variety of specialized positions, including Juvenile Officer, General Crimes Detective, Narcotics Sergeant (2001), Investigations Lieutenant (2003), and as a member of the Tactical Service Unit. He was promoted to Major in 2003, Deputy Chief in 2007, Interim Chief in January 2010, and Police Chief in July 2010.

Under Leonard’s direction, the WFPD achieved CALEA accreditation in 2018 and re-accreditation in 2022. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Administrative Officers Management Program through NC State University.

Leonard says today’s WFPD is considerably different from the one he joined 30 years ago.

“When I started, we had 14 officers and less than 20 employees,” he said. “Today we have 98 officers and over 120 employees. We have evolved from a department with no cell phones, computers, or cameras to a department that simply couldn’t function efficiently without the advances in technology we currently enjoy.” 

In addition to the expansion of the police department, Leonard noted that his tenure also coincided with the incredible growth of the Wake Forest community.

“In the early nineties, the town’s population was around 6,000. Now we’re close to 60,000,” he said. “We cover parts of two counties and depending on the time of day it can take as long as 30 minutes to get from one side of the town to the other.”

Despite the challenges, Leonard says he’s proud of his department and the men and women who serve under his direction.

“I have been a part of hiring around 100 of our current employees,” said Leonard. “We have a great reputation in North Carolina and are known for our professionalism and willingness to help others. I’m very proud of our department and all that we’ve accomplished.”

During retirement, Leonard says he plans to not only fish and golf, but also work in real estate.

“Working in real estate will allow me to continue helping others,” he says. “The good part is that I will not always be dealing with people during their worst times – as I often do as police chief. Now, I can help them during an exciting time in their life. I enjoy seeing the joy on someone’s face when they close on their new home.”

The Town of Wake Forest will host a public reception to honor Leonard on Wednesday, Jan. 29, from 3-7 p.m. at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St. A brief program honoring Leonard will begin at 6 p.m.

For more information, contact Communications & Public Affairs Director Bill Crabtree at 919-435-9421 or [email protected].