Jacksonville Police Chief Mike Yaniero has been awarded a special honor by the North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police. Chief Yaniero was given the special Outstanding Service Award.
Noting his work with the NC Association of Chiefs of Police, state level efforts at dealing with the opioid crisis and coordination of efforts among police chiefs, the award was given at the annual conference in Cherokee and during the January 22, 2019 meeting of the Jacksonville City Council.
The state organization selects one Police Chief annually in recognition of their significant contribution to both the NCACP and to the law enforcement profession in North Carolina.
The Association recognized Chief Mike Yaniero for outstanding dedication and for his work that had a positive impact on the North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police.
Chief Yaniero was the president of the state group in 2017, and has served as the chairman of the NC Metropolitan Chiefs Association. He also represented the association on the Attorney General’s Opioid Task Force.
Locally, he has championed the need for a rapid treatment center, de-escalation of violence by special training, and proactive police work to stop crime before it happens.
“We are pleased with the work of Chief Yaniero,” said Mayor Sammy Phillips. “As a former Deputy Police Chief, I know the challenges and I appreciate the dedication and reach of his influence to make this a safe community.”
“We are safe, and we owe thanks to Chief Yaniero,” said Mayor Phillips.
For his part, Chief Yaniero was extraordinarily humble, owing the success of his tenure to the support of the Mayor and Council as well as the partnerships and associations that have been made within the community and the state.
“It truly takes a village,” said Chief Yaniero. “Everyone has had a role in making Jacksonville safe, and successful.”