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Family.

Chad and his wife DeAnna have been married for 19 years and have two children, Bre & Cole. Chad is the son of Dale & Dolly Pennell and is a lifelong resident of Alexander County. They are active members of Millersville Baptist Church. Chad is a graduate of Alexander Central High School and served 6 years in the N.C. Army National Guard. He also graduated from Wilkes Community College with an associate’s degree in criminal justice and protective services, followed by completing basic law enforcement training. He joined the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office in 1993 where he faithfully served for 30 years, followed by his retirement, with plans to run for Alexander County Sheriff in 2022.

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Grit & Integrity.

Grit:
I have spent my entire law enforcement career of 30 years in Alexander County working my way up through the ranks. It has been my honor to serve and protect the citizens of this great county. I am a firm believer that leadership must start at the top and be passed down through the organization and that respect is earned, and I will work diligently to earn your respect and trust.
Integrity:
Integrity is one of the most important qualities of a leader.  Building a reputation of integrity takes years and courage to always do the right thing, even when no one is looking. 

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Service.

Law Enforcement Experience
ALL served in Alexander County

  • 1993 Alexander County Sheriff’s Office – Part-Time Deputy & School Resource Officer

  • 1994-1997 Road Deputy

  • 1997-1998 Shift Supervisor

  • 1998-2003 General Investigations & Sexual/Child Abuse Detective

  • 2002-2010 Narcotics Detective ** Cross Sworn with the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the United States Marshalls to combat drugs with surrounding counties.

  • 2010-2012 Detective Sergeant

  • 2012-2013 Captain over Investigations/Captain over the Road Division

  • 2013-2020 Captain over the Road Division (Direct reports of 45+ employees)

  • 2008-2020 Commander of Special Response Team (SWAT Team)

  • 2009-2020 In-Service Coordinator (Responsible for all training of deputies and detention officers – Roughly 90+ employees)

  • November 1st, 2020 Retired -with plans of running for Sheriff in 2022

    Certifications & Achievements:

  • Basic and Intermediate Law Enforcement Certificates

  • Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate

  • General Law Enforcement Instructor

  • Firearms Instructor

  • Two service (life-saving) awards

  • Commander of SWAT Team 2008-2020

  • Served on Several local boards including Alexander County Safe Schools and Communities in School

    Additional Responsibilities: 

  • Budget Committee- The purchasing of all equipment including vehicles, weapons, vests, radios, etc.

  • Oversight of The Law Enforcement Support Service Program-A U.S. Military donation program that gives needed equipment to the Sheriff’s Office.

  • Contributing Author of The Sheriff’s Office employee policy manual.

  • Workplace & Worship Safety Consultation Services-Meeting with local churches and businesses to present a safety plan for their place of worship and work.