Capt. Wade Wood named interim APD chief

Posted on by David Forbes

Asheville Police Department Capt. Wade Wood will take over as interim police chief May 12, the city of Asheville announced today. Wood will replace Chief Bill Hogan, who announced his retirement last month amid controversy about the handling of the evidence room and the settlement of a sexual harassment suit against the department.

Photo from the city of Asheville

“It is a great honor to represent the APD as interim chief,” Wood says in the announcement. “I look forward to working closely with the professional and dedicated men and women serving the city of Asheville and will take every opportunity to lead the department towards continuous improvement.”

City Manager Gary Jackson expresses his confidence in Wood, asserting “we are fortunate to have someone with such a strong and proven track record in police administration ready to take the helm.” The announcement cites Wood’s 19-year tenure with the APD, including stints as commander of the support and criminal investigations divisions, as well as community policing and Purple Heart awards he earned.

When Hogan’s retirement was announced, the city declared it would select an interim chief before the end of April. However, city staff later revealed that Jackson and representatives from his office were consulting with all of the APD’s captains and lieutenants before picking Hogan’s replacement.

Wood will occupy the office while the city conducts a search for a new permanent chief, a process expected to take between nine and 12 months.

— David Forbes, senior news reporter

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3 thoughts on “Capt. Wade Wood named interim APD chief”

  2. bill smith

    I’mma do my best to not make fun of that picture. Really. I’m straining over here.

  3. The Trolls Troll

    What is it with Buncombe’s top law enforcement officers leaving in disgrace? I’m pretty sure the APD chief before Hogan did something stupid and resigned/retired, and then we can’t forget about ol’ Bobby Lee. I’m just waiting for Van Duncan to foul up.

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