WINDSOR – Midway through next year, the Windsor Police Department will change leaders.

Recently, the Windsor Board of Commissioners accepted the retirement notice of current Police Chief Rodney Hoggard and, last week, the board unanimously appointed Todd Lane to be his successor.

Windsor Mayor Jim Hoggard said he was excited about the new police chief and his credentials, but also would miss having Chief Hoggard at the helm of the department.

“Sometimes, I lay praise on too thick, but I don’t think you could do that with Rodney,” the mayor said. “He has been our rock at the police department and has done an outstanding job.

“He is the most level headed person I’ve ever known in that position,” Mayor Hoggard continued. “He always thinks before he acts. He is a natural leader to his men.”

The mayor said one of the most successful parts of the current chief’s time at the top of the Windsor Police Department has been his ability to recruit good officers when there have been vacancies.

While sad to see Hoggard retire, the mayor said he is pleased with the new hire by the town board.

“We had some very good applicants and people who would have done a very good job,” he said. “Having said that, Todd was an excellent choice. He will make a very good Chief of Police.”

The mayor said Lane, who currently serves as First Sergeant for Troop A, District II of the North Carolina Highway Patrol, had been an officer with local municipalities before joining the NCHP.

“He served as a town police officer, so he knows the difference between a police department and the Highway Patrol,” Hoggard continued. “He also brings a wealth of management experience, so we’re pleased to have him coming on board.”

Lane has 27 years of law enforcement experience, having served as a police officer in both Wilson and Kinston before joining the North Carolina Highway Patrol. A press release from the town of Windsor said Lane will retire from the NCHP in April, 2013 and begin his duties in Windsor in May.

Lane graduated from the Coastal Plains Police Academy in Wilson in the fall of 1985 and then attended the 84^th Highway Patrol Basic School in 1989, where he graduated with the highest average.

He was named Senior Trooper in 1992 and Master Trooper three years later before becoming a Line Sergeant in February, 2004. He became a First Sergeant in May, 2008.

A specific date for Chief Hoggard’s retirement has not been reached, but the mayor said he hopes to be able to have Hoggard remain with the town until Lane begins his new duties.