Public Safety Chief Appointed

Jason Whisnant was named the Chief of Morganton Public Safety. After an extensive search and assessment process, Whisnant was selected to lead the department. He is a long-tenured employee of Morganton Public Safety, having joined the department in 1997. He served most recently as Captain of Field Operations. Whisnant was officially sworn-in at 4 pm today at City Hall in the Council Chambers.

Whisnant is a lifelong resident of Burke County and graduated from Freedom High School. He attended Western Piedmont Community College’s Basic Law Enforcement Training in 1995. Whisnant began his law enforcement career with the Glen Alpine Police Department and the Burke County Sheriff’s Department. While at Morganton Public Safety, he has served in a variety of roles to include DARE officer, Community Police Officer, SERT Team, HazMat Team, Sergeant of Field Operations, Captain of Support Services and Captain of Field Operations. Whisnant is a certified firefighter and possesses numerous certifications in police and fire services. He has served as an instructor in many law enforcement classes in the Basic Law Enforcement Training program at Western Piedmont Community College.

City Manager Sally Sandy said Whisnant is a great choice to serve as Chief. “Jason is well-known and respected throughout the community. He demonstrates his genuine concern for our citizens every day. His familiarity with the Department, the City and the community at-large will make this transition to new leadership seamless. I look forward to working with Jason in this role as we continue to serve Morganton.”

He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Services and a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling and Education Specialist from Gardner Webb University. Whisnant has been licensed by the NC Board of Clinical Mental Health Counselors since 2012. He is a graduate of the Administrative Officers Management Program at North Carolina State University and the Municipal Administrative Course at the UNC School of Government.

Whisnant commented, “This community and the department of public safety have been a perfect fit. Our city, our agency and our community have grown and faced many challenges throughout my career. I’m thrilled for this opportunity to lead an outstanding team of professionals that add value to the work they do every day. I also look forward to continuing established relationships with community stakeholders and to pursue opportunities to make those even stronger. To be able to serve as Chief in my hometown, is an opportunity of a lifetime.” Whisnant and his wife, Katherine, have four children – Kate, Hannah, Nicholas and Jake. Jason and his family are active in the community.

The selection was made after a nationwide search and completing an assessment center under the guidance of the Management and Personnel Services (MAPS) Group, a consulting firm affiliated with the NC League of Municipalities.