New Roanoke Rapids police Chief Lawrence Wiggins was introduced to the city council Tuesday night.

Before the meeting started, several members of the community came in to greet the new chief as well.

“Chief Wiggins officially joined the city of Roanoke Rapids as police chief on March 10 and has become a resident of Roanoke Rapids since that time,” City Manager Kelly Traynham said. “We’re very much happy for him to be here and be a part of our team and we look forward to him becoming a part of our community.”

Traynham said she is thrilled that after an extensive search process “that we were matched up with Lawrence Wiggins out of South Carolina. He brings a diverse background in law enforcement and the military as well. We’re really excited to have you here.”

Wiggins thanked the council and Traynham. “My experiences here with the city have been nothing but first class. The staff at the police department have been more than accommodating and welcoming. Everyone here has accepted me with open arms and I am truly grateful.”

He said the warm welcome extends to the department heads as well. “I’m excited to be here. I’m looking forward to working with this council, the city manager, the department heads and my staff to continue to help Roanoke Rapids be a safe place to raise a family, for people considering relocating, and to be an example to other communities of what a prosperous and safe community can be.”