Our QDR Hometown Hero of the Week is William M. Thomas, Chief of Police for the town of Selma.

Chief of Police William M. Thomas, also known as Chief Billy, has dedicated himself to serving the Town of Selma for 20 years. As of October 1, 2023, he will officially retire from the Selma Police Department. He began his career as a dispatcher in 2003 and completed BLET in 2007. Over the next 11 years of his career with the Town of Selma, Chief Thomas served as Patrol Officer, Senior Officer, Patrol Sergeant, and Patrol Captain. He also received recognition as Selma Police Officer of the Year in 2010. Chief Thomas received his last and most honorable title as Chief of Police in 2018. The Town of Selma commends Chief Thomas for his dedication and service to the community. Thanks to his leadership and determination, the Selma Police Department has achieved several amazing accomplishments. “Chief Billy Thomas has tirelessly protected and served the Selma community for two decades,” Selma Mayor Byron McAllister stated. “He has overseen the significant growth and improvement of our Selma Police Department in recent years. The positive impact he has had on the Town of Selma cannot be overstated,” added Mayor McAllister. Chief Thomas will be missed by his officers, staff, and the community. He has not only served in many roles with the Selma Police Department, but he has also called Selma home for the past 26 years. The residents and citizens will greatly miss him in his role as Chief, but are lucky enough to still call him a neighbor and friend. With heartfelt appreciation, Mayor McAllister stated, “I have been proud to call him Selma’s Chief of Police and my friend. The Selma Police Department will miss him, but I look forward to seeing how he impacts this community in retirement.” After retirement, Chief Thomas plans to remain in Selma, travel, and enjoy quality time with his family. He has shared a special expression of thanks to his wife Angie and daughter Erica for helping him make it to the finish line. 

Thank you, Chief Thomas, for your service! As a token of our appreciation, we’re sending you a $50 gift card to Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q to thank you for all you do.

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