On November 19, 2009, three new officers were sworn in to represent the Town of Cornelius’ Patrol Division. The new police officers are Fred Pritchett, Kevin Ryan, and Matthew Sheppard. These new officers will be responsible for responding to citizen complaints and concerns.

Fred Pritchett brings a military background to the Cornelius Police Department. Pritchett joined the North Carolina Army National Guard when he was a junior in high school at Southern Alamance High School in Graham, NC. After high school, Pritchett attended advanced individual training at Fort Eustis in Virginia and was also part of Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 130th Aviation Regiment in Morrisville, NC. Fred completed his Basic Law Enforcement Training at Mitchell Community College and attained the highest score on his first attempt for firearms qualifications. Fred enjoys skydiving and has made over 60 jumps.

Kevin Ryan grew up in Saratoga Springs, New York and is a graduate of Galway Central High School. He completed his Basic Law Enforcement Training at Nash Community College in Rocky Mount, NC. Ryan was previously employed as a Deputy Sheriff with the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office.

Matthew Sheppard grew up in Brevard, North Carolina and is a graduate of West Henderson High School in Hendersonville, NC. He always wanted to make a career out of law enforcement and went on to complete his Basic Law Enforcement Training at Asheville-Buncombe Community College. Sheppard enjoys fishing, hunting, and running in his spare time.  

The Cornelius Police Department is proud to welcome these new patrol officers. 

Planning for the Cornelius Police Department’s Future

On November 16, 2009, Christina Tadlock joined the Cornelius Police Department as the new Police Planner. Christina previously worked as a Financial Analyst for the Town of Cornelius. She grew up in Huntersville, NC and has a Bachelor’s Degree from Appalachian State University in Political Science, in addition to a Master of Public Administration Degree in Town, City, and County Management. Tadlock recently graduated from the Cornelius Police Department’s Citizens’ Academy and received a certificate in Human Resource Management from Central Piedmont Community College. As a planner, she will be responsible for grant administration, conducting research and complex statistical analysis, as well as advising management on short and long-range planning. 

Cornelius Hires New Animal Control Officer for Animal Shelter

Chris King was hired by the Cornelius Police Department as an Animal Control Officer for the Town’s new animal shelter. Chris grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina and is a graduate of Mooresville High School in Mooresville, NC. Chris previously worked for the Cornelius PARC Department as a Park Maintenance Technician, and was inspired by his father, an individual he deems as his role model, to pursue a career in law enforcement. Chris comes from a long line of family in law enforcement and enjoys wood-working, computers, and art in his spare time.