BY PAUL MITCHELLNorth Country This Week

A Russell native, and a graduate of Edwards-Knox Central School and SUNY Canton, has recently been promoted to the rank of deputy police chief with the Kannapolis, N.C. police department.

Chris Hill, the son of Roger and Deborah Hill of Richfield, N.C. has continued in his father’s footsteps in law enforcement. Roger was a long-time officer and detective sergeant with the Canton Police Department.

Hill graduated from SUNY Canton in 2008 earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal investigation. He looked back fondly at his North Country education.

“I’m thankful for my education at SUNY Canton. The hands on-classes have served me well throughout my career. I think they gave me a leg up being that I came out of college having some of the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in law enforcement,” Hill stated.

He moved to North Carolina after graduating college and began working at Kannapolis PD in February 2009. Kannapolis is a city of about 60,000 people that is about 20 miles north of Charlotte. 

“I’ve been fortunate to serve in many different capacities, including patrol, investigations, and vice/narcotics. Our agency has 96 officers and 29 civilian personnel. I’m proud to continue the family tradition of policing, being that my father is a retired Detective Sergeant after serving 28 years with the Canton police department,” Hill continued. 

He was promoted to Sergeant in 2014, Lieutenant in 2020, and to Captain in 2021. 

As Deputy Police Chief he will oversee the efficient operation of the three bureaus of the police department and assist in the implementation of department policies, plans, and strategies. 

He has been awarded the Advanced Law Enforcement Certification by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Training and Standards Commission. He has also graduated from the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association training program. He has completed the Cabarrus Chamber Leadership Program and been involved in various community organizations. 

In 2014 he received the Roger Dale Carter Memorial Service Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Kannapolis Police Department. He has also received two-unit commendations and a safe driving award. He is an active member of Coddle Creek ARP Church. He and his wife, Claire, have three children.