After a distinguished career serving the citizens of North Carolina, Chief Deputy Harry W. Meredith Jr. has retired.

His retirement began Dec. 1.

Meredith started his career in 1985 with the North Carolina Department of Crime Control and Public Safety. He served as a reserve patrol sergeant at the Washington Police Department from 1987 to 1988. In 1989, he began full-time law enforcement as a member of the Durham Police Department. While serving with the Durham Police Department, he rose to the rank of detective in the violent-crimes division. In 1998, he returned to Beaufort County and became the sheriff’s office’s chief investigator.

In 2003, Meredith graduated with honors from the FBI’s National Academy in Quantico, Va. In 2004, he was awarded the Medal of Valor for his involvement in the water rescue of two swimmers stranded in the Pamlico River during a summer storm. He was promoted to chief deputy in December 2004. In 2005, he received the Certificate of Merit for Gallantry in the Line of Duty. The certificate was awarded for Meredith’s efforts to disarm a suicidal person who was threatening to harm himself and others.

Meredith will be greatly missed at the sheriff’s office. His top priority was teaching and developing future leaders in the sheriff’s office. Through his outstanding leadership abilities, great character and dedication to serving the citizens of Beaufort County, he has left a lasting mark on this agency.