Life is full of change and the Tuesday Elizabethtown – White Lake Chamber of Commerce meeting was a reminder of the changes in our community. The meeting was held at Goldston’s Restaurant at White Lake instead of in Elizabethtown at the Cape Fear Farmer’s Market and Elizabethtown Chief of Police Bobby Kinlaw took the opportunity to speak about his time serving Bladen County before he retires on August 27th this year.
Chief Kinlaw said he was born in Elizabethtown at the Bladen County Hospital and grew up in White Oak. As he spoke about growing up in Bladen County, many in attendance smiled in agreement as Kinlaw reminisced of fond memories of days gone by and how much our community means to him. He said, “Out of all the things I’ve been through, the days of my childhood were the best days of my life.”
Chief Kinlaw gave credit to Mr. Jack Smith for inspiring him to try his hand at the Police Department. Kinlaw has been at the Elizabethtown Police Department since the early 1980’s. Kinlaw admitted that throughout his career he has had many opportunities to move to other places to serve in law enforcement. He said, “You can’t put a price tag on family, friends and community. I’m a small town boy.”
Kinlaw promised he was not retiring from Bladen County, only from the Police Department. He said, “I have no regrets. I owe my success to some of the best officers in North Carolina, they make me look good; the town manager, the town council, and Mayor Campbell all support me.”
Kinlaw also said, “I try to leave this police department in the best possible condition.” Everyone was in agreement; our community is a much better place because of Chief Kinlaw’s service and dedication. When Kinlaw was presented with his gifts from the Chamber of Commerce, Dawn Maynard, Executive Director of the Chamber said, “Since your last day is August 27th, we are having a huge party for you at the Cape Fear Farmer’s Market with the “Summer Sounds” concert series.” Everyone lined up after the meeting to give Kinlaw hugs and kudos for all he has done for our community through out the many years of his service.
Share this article using the shortlink: https://bladencounty.org/?p=22126
About Author
