Morganton celebrates Chief Whisnant’s legacy

“The key theme to every comment that someone has about Jason is the fact that he’s touched them on a personal level. He’s inspired them.” — Sgt. Joey Belanger, Morganton Public Safety

From all walks of Chief Jason Whisnant’s law enforcement career and time with the City, many supporters gathered in the Morganton Community House on Wednesday, April 2, to honor his retirement. Whisnant retired on April 1.

As close friends and colleagues gave speeches on his vocation and his character, a slideshow of photos from moments in his career played behind them. A special video of the “camera-shy friends” was made, showing their love and caring thoughts for Whisnant.

Here is a glimpse of what speakers had to say:

City Manager Sally Sandy, who swore Whisnant in as a reserve officer in 1997

“He is a person who appreciates people, who serves people, who cares for people, and you see that in him all the time. Sometimes when you take different seats in our lives and different seats at work, you change. That has not changed about him at all. I think that’s a real compliment to him and the person that he is. So I thank you for that and appreciate the service to the community.”

Burke County Sheriff Robert “Banks” Hinceman, who worked alongside Whisnant at the sheriff’s office.

“All those steps, promotions, different things that you’ve done at Morganton, and you have been known for a lot of things. You’ve always been honest, you’ve been fair, you’ve been firm, and you give people a fair shake. That makes the perfect law enforcement officer and chief for others to follow.”

Valdese Police Chief Marc Sharpe, who was one of Whisnant’s first mentors.

“You told me that you come from a long line of family members who had devoted their lives to serving Morganton, and your ultimate goal was to become chief. At that time, he was striving to be a reserve officer. Not long after sharing that ambition in the car, you faced one of your toughest moments in any officer’s young career, you responded to your first suicide call.

“It was a tragic scene, a self-inflicted gunshot wound, with the victim still fighting for his life. I still remember the silence in the car afterward, no questions, no appetite for dinner, just quiet reflection. The excitement you had shown for the job earlier in the shift had dimmed a little. We finished the night and went our separate ways, but the next evening, you returned with the same energy and determination as the night before. That’s when I knew you were a keeper.”

Retired Chief Ronnie Rector, assigned as his field training officer during the final phase of training in 1997.

“Because of a knee injury, Jason thought he was going to lose his dream that he had worked so many years to achieve. Instead, he was redirected in his natural ability to communicate, counsel, nurture, and lift up was brought out through education and honed through service. His unintended journey led him to where he is today.

Assistant Chief Keith Bowman, a long-time friend and colleague.

“Chief, as you step into this well-earned retirement, we know that there will be many memories for days, months, and years thereafter, that people at this department will share amongst ourselves. While he may be retiring, we have no doubt that you will continue to serve, lead, and make a difference in many ways in people’s lives.

“On behalf of the entire department and this community, we extend our deepest gratitude to you for your commitment and sacrifice to public safety as well as to your family. We wish you all the best in this next chapter of your life, may it be filled with joy and relaxation and then the company of all your family and friends.”

Interim Chief Ryan Lander, presenting the shadowbox with items representing different stories of Whisnant’s career.

“Each item tells a story of commitment, sacrifice, and an unbreakable bond with those who wear the uniform. The shadow box serves as a lasting tribute to Chief Whisnant’s contributions and a reminder that he will always be a part of this family.”

Retired Whisnant to all who came to his retirement ceremony.

“It does say something about an organization being able to retire as many people as we do and retire happily and healthily as we do. It’s all about hiring the right people at the front door and putting them in a position with the means and the training, and the equipment to be successful. The City of Morganton has done an excellent job at that.

“On behalf of my family and myself, I want to take a moment and thank all of you for coming out here today and celebrating this milestone. For me, there are many faces that I know and love, and it’s so good to see all you. I won’t say goodbye today. How about saying, ‘I’ll see you around.’”

Best for last, son Nicholas Whisnant.

“You need to take him back. My mom’s already barking at me too much, I don’t need him either. That’s it.”