WS Chronicle

Barry D. Rountree, Winston-Salem’s chief of police since 2013, announced this week that he will retire Sept. 1, having served for 29 and a half years. “I have had a very rewarding career,” Rountree said. “I have been able to serve in nearly every sworn position in the department, and now it is time to turn the reins over to the next generation of leadership.” Rountree started his career as a police officer on Jan. 25, 1988. He was promoted to senior police officer (today’s rank of corporal) in 1992, sergeant in

1996, lieutenant in 2000, captain in 2004 and assistant police chief in 2007. Over these years he served in the Field Services Bureau, the Investigative Services Bureau, the Support Services Bureau, and the Professional Standards Division. Rountree said he has been blessed to have served without any serious injuries. “Many have not been as fortunate as I and suffered serious injuries,” he said, “and during my career with the police department I have seen eight coworkers lose their lives while serving. They are a constant reminder to all police officers of the risks they take to ensure the public safety.” City Manager Lee Garrity said that Rountree had done a remarkable job of leading the police department. Garrity said he will begin the process to select the next chief by consulting with the mayor, members of the City Council, police employees and community leaders.