WINGATE, N.C. — Town leaders in Wingate voted to dissolve the town’s police department, shifting law enforcement responsibilities to the Union County Sheriff’s Office, Spectrum News 1 reported.
The Wingate Town Council approved the move in a 4-1 vote on July 15, citing long-term cost savings. The decision will affect the small department serving the community of roughly 4,000 residents, according to the 2020 U.S. Census.
Town officials said the transition will allow Union County deputies to assume public safety duties within town limits.
In a statement posted to Facebook, the Wingate Police Department expressed disappointment with the outcome, saying officers were “devastated” by the decision.
“We would like to share how much we love and support our community,” the post said. “Our officers couldn’t ask for better residents.”
The timeline for the transition to the sheriff’s office has not yet been announced.
