City of Gastonia names new police chief

GASTONIA, N.C. — The City of Gastonia has a new police chief.

The town announced Friday that Interim Police Chief Trent Conard is now the permanent Chief of the Gastonia Police Department.

Conard is taking over for Travis Brittain, who announced his retirement in September.

Conrad joined the GPD in 1996 and has more than 28 years of experience. Conrad has been in the interim position since October.

The City recruited nationwide and received over 40 applications. Eight candidates were interviewed and four were selected to take part in an extensive assessment center conducted by Centralina Regional Council.

The panel consisted of police chiefs and city managers from the Charlotte area.

“After an extensive nationwide search, it was clear that Interim Chief Conard was the right choice to continue leading the GPD,” said City Manager Michael Peoples. “His depth and breadth of experience in law enforcement, internal organizational and management skills, and passion for the communities of Gastonia will serve the Department and our citizens well as he steps into this new role.”

Conrad said he is looking forward to the permanent role.

“I look forward to serving the citizens of Gastonia as Police Chief and leading a department of dedicated public servants who share my passion to protect and serve through direct and intentional community involvement inclusive to all residents and visitors of our diverse city,” said Chief Conard.

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