Deputy Chief Bryan Adams to be promoted to Chief of Police on July 1
After 27 years of service to the Hickory Police Department (HPD), Major Bryan Adams will serve as Hickory’s next Chief of Police. City Manager Warren Wood recognized Adams’ exceptional skill set and ability to lead HPD with this promotion, following the retirement announcement of current Police Chief Reed Baer.
“A leader is not defined by the badge they wear, but by the dedication, wisdom, and integrity they bring to those they serve,” said Wood. “As our next Chief of Police, Bryan embodies unwavering commitment to the community, deep-rooted knowledge of our city, and a steadfast expertise in law enforcement. His calm and confident leadership ensures that progress is made with purpose, justice is served with fairness, and trust is built with honor. His promotion to Chief is the continuation of a legacy of service.”
Adams is a native of Hickory and began his career with the Hickory Police Department in July 1998. He has served as a Patrol Officer in David PACT, Investigator and Supervisor in the Vice/Narcotics Unit, Supervisor on the Special Operations Team, Commander of both Baker and David PACT and Lieutenant in Criminal Investigations before his appointment as Commander of the Criminal Investigations Unit. He served as the Support Service Division Commander prior to being promoted to Deputy Chief of Police in May 2023.
Adams earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Western Carolina University after starting his career at the Hickory Police Department. He is a graduate of the 276th session of the FBI National Academy. He has been married to his wife Ashley for 20 years, and they have twin teenage daughters.
“Bryan grew up in Hickory, and having worked alongside him at the police department, I know he fully understands the community policing model followed by HPD. His great-grandfather, E.W. Lentz, served as the chief of police in Hickory for 34 years. It’s great to see Bryan, who built his career with HPD, now take command of the department,” said Mayor Hank Guess.
“As evidenced by the number of Hickory officers who have risen through the ranks to become police chiefs in other communities, Hickory Police Department has crafted a strong tradition of producing the highest caliber of law enforcement professionals. I am pleased that we continue to develop highly skilled, strong leaders at HPD. This enables us to promote from within for leadership roles,” added Wood.
Beyond his duties with HPD, Adams has been and continues to be an engaged community member. He has served as a mentor in the Council on Adolescents of Catawba County’s Lunch Buddy program and in the Strong Student Leadership Program through the Catawba Valley Leadership Foundation. He has served as a board member of the Family Guidance Center for many years and previously held the position of board chair. He is also part of the Hickory Racial Justice and Reconciliation Group.
Of his new promotion, Adams expressed, “I am truly blessed and deeply honored to get to serve in this new role as the Chief of Police. Throughout my entire career at the Hickory Police Department, I've had the privilege of working alongside the most dedicated men and women in law enforcement, and I am excited to continue to get to serve this amazing community that is my home.”
Wood went on to say, “With his extensive experience, Bryan is well-prepared to seamlessly step into his new role. His strong reputation and connections within the community make him a highly respected figure, ensuring that HPD's legacy of excellence in community policing continues to thrive.”
Adams’ promotion to Chief of Police will become effective July 1, 2025.