Outgoing Siler City Police Chief Michael Wagner was honored for his service at the town’s March 18 Board of Commissioners meeting.
“I don’t want to say goodbye and I don’t too much like the word retirement,” said Mayor Donald Matthews. “Chief has been on me, ever since we met, about cuff links. So, I went out and got a personalized pair just for you.”
Matthews then presented Chief Wagner with a pair customized cuff links as a retirement present. Wagner joined Siler City as police chief in June 2019. He started his law enforcement career with the Albemarle County PD in Charlottesville, VA in 1991.
“Michael Wagner has demonstrated a high level of character, a strong and active concern for the future of the Town of Siler City citizens, a tireless regard for the safety of the Town of Siler City community, and an unwavering compassion for his fellow man,” said Mayor Pro-Tem Lewis Fadely, reading from a proclamation honoring Chief Wagner. Wagner was also gifted his badge and service weapon by Siler City to take into retirement after his last day.
Wagner was also presented with a United States flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol by Sam Shumate, Southeast Regional Director for North Carolina Sen. Ted Budd (R), to honor his 34 years of public service.
“Senator Budd has a long standing policy of reserving these for individuals, organizations or entities that truly go above and beyond to make a difference in the communities that they serve,” Shumate said to the board. “This is only the second one he has ever done for anyone in Chatham County.”
Wagner was also honored by Cam Mills, District Field Director for Congressman Richard Hudson, NC House Minority Leader Robert Reives and District Court Judge Todd Roper.
Wagner’s last day will be April 1. He will be replaced by incoming Chief Brian Regan, who served with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol for 26 years and was director of the Law Enforcement Training Program at Randolph Community College from 2019 through December 2022.
Regan has a BS in Criminal Justice from Gardner-Webb University and a Master of Justice Administration from Methodist University.
