By Erin Smith
On Wednesday, members of the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office gathered as a longtime member was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine during his retirement ceremony. Captain Jeff Singletary, who has worked with the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office for 30 years, was joined by his family, friends and co-workers for a retirement breakfast.
Bladen County Sheriff Jim McVicker said, “I’ve known Jeff since I came here in 1988.”
He said Captain Singletary is very knowledgeable and he manages the budget for the Sheriff’s Office well. Sheriff McVicker credits him with assisting the county in saving money on the construction of the new law enforcement center.
“He has saved this county a lot of money. We’ve been able to do things at this office because of him,” said Sheriff McVicker.
Captain Singletary was joined at the retirement breakfast by his wife, Beth Smith Singletary and their children. 
NC Representative William Brisson presented Captain Singletary with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine.
Chief Deputy Larry Guyton said, “Jeff was a good officer. He was very serious about what he did. He was very meticulous.”
Chief Deputy Guyton said for the last four years, Captain Singletary has been overseeing the budget for the Sheriff’s Office and all of the radio equipment. Captain Singletary is also credited with helping to design and implement the county’s Viper Radio System.
“His shoes will be hard to fill. He will be missed,” said Chief Deputy Guyton.
Captain Singletary was also presented with a plaque recognizing his 30 years of service to the County by Bladen County Manager Greg Martin. Bladen County Sheriff Jim McVicker presented Captain Singletary with a print entitled “10-42” by Bladen County Artist Kathy Bunn, wife of retired Sheriff Steve Bunn. Captain Singletary also received his service revolver.
Captain Singletary began his law enforcement as a part-time dispatcher with the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office in August 1990 and completed Basic Law Enforcement Training in 1991 at Robeson Community College. He was elevated to full-time dispatcher in December 1991 and in 1992 joined the Bladenboro Police Department as a part-time officer. Captain Singletary served in both roles for one year, according to Chief Deputy Guyton.
In January 1993, he was sworn in as a deputy sheriff and during the summer Captain Singletary was promoted to D. A. R. E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education and Training) officer. He taught the DARE program in the school system from 1993-1996. During this time, Captain Singletary also assisted with the patrol division, court duties and transportation.
In 1996, Captain Singletary transferred to the patrol division and he remained a patrol deputy until 2003. In 1999, Captain Singletary completed training for the GREAT (Gang Resistance Education and Training) program and obtained certification as an instructor, according to Chief Deputy Guyton.
In December 2003, Captain Singletary was promoted to criminal investigator and completed advanced training through the NC Justice Academy. In 2012, he was promoted to Investigator Sergeant and Investigator Lieutenant.
In 2012, he was promoted to the rank of Captain and duties included supervising the detention center, budget and communications.
Sheriff McVicker said Captain Singletary will return to the Sheriff’s Office on a part-time basis beginning in December.
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