2023 WCSO Annual Report - Flipbook - Page 27
WCSO LIEUTENANT JAMES COLEY
SWORN IN AS CORNELIUS POLICE CHIEF
Lieutenant James Coley was named as the new Chief of Police, effective
July 1, 2023. With 32 years of public service experience, including serving
in the Army and Air Force, Lieutenant Coley brings a wealth of knowledge
and leadership to this position. We thank former Cornelius Police Chief
Bob Ray for his service and look forward to Chief Coley continuing the
strong community leadership established by prior chiefs. Chief Ray served
as Cornelius police chief since January 2021 and returned to the Sheriff’s
Office Command Team.
CONNECTING COMMUNITY
8TH ANNUAL CORNELIUS COMMUNITY DINNER
On Saturday, November 18, 2023, the City of Cornelius, in partnership
with Centro Cultural de Washington County and the Washington County
Sheriff’s Office, hosted the Eighth Annual Cornelius Community Dinner
at Cornelius Elementary School. Hosts and local partners were excited to
serve a free turkey holiday meal to community members in attendance.
This event served around 500 meals: turkey, dinner rolls, mashed
potatoes and gravy, green beans, cranberry sauce, and dessert. Coffee,
water, and aguas frescas were also on the menu. The dinner was made
possible through the collaboration and generous donations of multiple
community partners, businesses, and wonderful volunteers who
contributed to this event’s success.
Continuing this warm and inviting annual tradition allows for sharing a
meal and conversation with community members, city leaders, police,
fire officials, and many more, making the Cornelius Community Dinner an
extraordinary and favorite event for many. It’s truly a meaningful event for
our community and brings holiday cheer as we enter the season of giving.
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