Former Hope Mills police chief dies

John W. Hodges, who served 23 years as police chief for the Town of Hope Mills, has died, officials shared Monday.

Posted 8:52 a.m. Jun 25, 2019 — Updated 8:52 a.m. Jun 25, 2019

HOPE MILLS, N.C. — John W. Hodges, who served 23 years as police chief for the Town of Hope Mills, has died, officials shared Monday.

Hodges 84, retired as Hope Mills police chief in 2009. Before his 23 years in Cumberland County, he served as police chief in Mount Olive.

The Town of Hope Mills mayor, board of commissioners, and all Town staff are deeply saddened to learn of the passing," a statement read from Hope Mills read. "He will be dearly missed by all."

Hope Mills Mayor Jackie Warner said that Hodges remained active in town affairs long after his retirement, the Fayetteville Observer reported. Warner said she saw him as late as Thursday or Friday.

“He was always very upbeat,” Mrs. Warner said. “Any type of event we had, he was there.”

Recently, the town Board of Commissioners voted to name a new public safety building for Hodges. Construction of the facility is scheduled to begin this winter.

The family will be receive friends and family on Friday at Pinecrest Funeral Home. A funeral will be held on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at Southview Baptist Church.

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