Police Chief Tony Godwin officially retired on Monday, Dec. 10, after 28 years of service with Cary law enforcement. His contributions were honored during a ceremony in the Council Chambers.

“I came here as an intern when I was a senior at N.C. State University and just never went away! It is going to be very strange to not be a Cary police officer for the first time in my adult life,” said Godwin.

Tony Godwin

Godwin became chief in 2015, taking over from the retiring Pat Bazemore. Godwin’s entire law enforcement career has been spent in Cary, joining the department in 1990. He served in several capacities including leadership roles on Cary’s Emergency Response Team and Criminal Investigations Division.

“When it comes to chiefs of police, Tony’s among the best I’ve ever worked with,” said Town Manager Sean R. Stegall. “He has had a profound impact on me and our community. His genuinely thoughtful and caring nature, along with his tremendous capabilities as a communicator, have been key in strengthening the bond between our officers and the individuals they serve.”

Assistant Police Chief Toni Dezomits, 50, will serve as the Interim Chief of Police until the Town concludes its national search for Godwin’s permanent replacement.

Toni Dezomits

Dezomits was hired in 1998 as a patrol officer in Cary, and she was named Assistant Police Chief in December 2015. Throughout her career, she has served as a sniper on the SWAT team, a Field Operations officer, District 2 commander and Professional Standards commander. She holds certifications as a law enforcement general instructor, specialized fitness instructor and taser instructor. A veteran of the U. S. Army, she received the Army Commendation Medal for distinguished service during Operation Desert Storm/Desert Shield.

“I am humbled and honored to be given the opportunity to lead the men and women of the Cary Police Department through this change,” said Dezomits.