CHESAPEAKE, Va. — A spokesman for the Chesapeake Police Department said Chief Kelvin L. Wright is preparing to retire from the job on August 1.
Wright, a Portsmouth native, joined CPD in 1982. The city's website says his 40-year career went from patrolman to sergeant, to lieutenant, captain, major, and finally, chief of police -- with a few lateral career moves along the way.
In his tenure with CPD, Wright trained other officers, led both the Second and Fifth precincts, and has championed crime reduction programs for Chesapeake.
When he's not at the office, Wright is a husband and a father, serves as a deacon and Sunday School teacher at church, and coaches little league athletics.
Leo Kosinski, the police department's spokesman, did not say who would take up the reins of police chief when Wright leaves.
Here's a statement City Manager Chris Price sent out about Wright's retirement:
You may have already heard the news, but I wanted to share with you just in case. After an outstanding 40-year career with the Chesapeake Police Department, the last 14 years as Chief of Police, Chief Wright has announced his retirement effective August 1, 2022. I know that several of you have served our community with Kelvin for many years. While my journey with Kelvin has been relatively brief, to say we’ve been through a lot together is an understatement! I’ve learned so much from him, have benefitted greatly from his leadership, and I am truly honored to have served with him.
Obviously, news such as this comes with very mixed emotions. I am so happy for Kelvin as he and his family begin this new chapter in their lives. However, I will certainly miss his calm demeanor, wisdom, integrity, advice, and support. The Chesapeake Police Department is very fortunate to have had Kelvin as a leader in their ranks for so long. Likewise, our community is a much better, safer, and stronger place because of Kelvin’s commitment to public service. And finally we, as the senior leadership of the organization, are a better team for having had Kelvin as a member for so long. Please join me in wishing Kelvin happiness and many blessings in his very well earned retirement!
The news of Wright's approaching retirement came at about the same time Norfolk City Manager Chip Filer announced that Norfolk's police chief, Larry Boone, would retire on April 29 and that Boone's last day in the office would be April 8.
Apart from Chesapeake and Norfolk, here are some other police chief turnovers from Hampton Roads in the last two years:
- Hampton: Chief Terry Sult retired on April 1, 2021
- Portsmouth: Chief Angela Greene was fired on Nov. 16, 2020
- Suffolk: Chief Thomas Bennett retired on Aug. 1, 2020
- Virginia Beach: Chief Jim Cervera retired on May 1, 2020