Carrboro police chief to retire after nearly 3 decades of service to town

CARRBORO, N.C. (WNCN) — After nearly three decades of service, including leading the town’s police department for the past five years, Carrboro Police Chief Chris Atack is retiring, officials said Thursday.

Read more Raleigh to host ‘Raleigh Loves Dolly Party’ on Sept. 25

Atack, the chief of the Carrboro Police Department since February 2021, will officially retire on Oct. 1, according to town officials.

According to town officials, Atack joined the Carrboro Police Department in 1999.

During his career, according to town officials, Atack has emphasized balancing the role of law enforcement with supporting and building relationships in the community.

“Balance is the key to professional policing and finding balance requires experience, perspective, and meaningful and frequent interactions with the community,” Atack said in a statement.

Officials said Atack took part in climbing 2,071 stairs alongside fellow police officers, firefighters, first responders, and members of the public during a recent 9/11 remembrance event at Kenan Stadium.

Read more Indonesian divers recover 3 bodies from capsized ferry as salvage operation begins

Atack, who holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Guilford College and a master’s degree in justice administration from Methodist University, has taught Basic Law Enforcement Training at community colleges in the area since 2008, including Alamance Community College, Central Carolina Community College, and Durham Technical Community College’s Orange County Campus, according to town officials.

According to town officials, Atack is also a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Government Leadership Fellows Program.

Officials said Atack plans to continue teaching Basic Law Enforcement Training and pursue nature photography.

“After more than two decades serving Carrboro, Atack leaves the department with a career shaped by public service, community relationships, and a commitment to finding balance in the work of policing,” the Carrboro Police Department said in a statement.

Read more Hops for Hope: A brewtiful cause comes to Raleigh