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Command Staff
The Kings Mountain Police Department’s Command Staff encompasses the Chief of Police, Assistant Chief of Police and (2) Captains who oversee two sperate divisions within the organizational structure. Our Command Staff strives to ensure that KMPD is operating at the highest level of productivity to provide a better customer services experience for our citizens. Members are responsible for the planning, supervising and reviewing any activities of all personnel assigned to their division.
Lance Hamrick
Assistant Chief
Asst. Chief Hamrick was sworn in as the Assistant Chief of Police on July 23, 2025. His law enforcement career began in 2000 with the Kings Mountain Police Department where he continues to serve the citizens of Kings Mountain. Throughout his career, Chief Hamrick has gained a multitude of experience serving in many different divisions and units such as Patrol, Community Oriented Policing, Traffic, and Criminal Investigations. As a Specialized General Instructor with the State of North Carolina, Hamrick conducts Law Enforcement Driver's Training for the department and Cleveland Community College's Basic Law Enforcement Training program. He is also a North Carolina Army National Guard Veteran serving oversees in support of Iraqi Freedom II in 2004. Hamrick is a graduate of Western Carolina University where he obtained his Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice degree.
Buddy Black
Patrol & Field Operations Captain
Captain Buddy Black is the commander of patrol and field operations for the Kings Mountain Police Department. He grew up in the City of Kings Mountain and graduated from Kings Mountain High School. Captain Black continued his education with a degree in criminal justice before starting his law enforcement career. Captain Black has 19 years in law enforcement experience and has held positions of Officer, Patrol Corporal, Detective Corporal, Patrol Sergeant, and Captain. He holds the advanced law enforcement certificate in accordance with the standards of the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Commission. Captain Black is a general instructor, specialized firearms instructor, rapid deployment instructor, and taser instructor.
Josh Bryant
Administrative & Support Services Captain
Captain Josh Bryant has proudly served his hometown agency since 2014, dedicating his career to protecting and supporting the community he grew up in. Over the years, he has served in a wide range of roles including Patrol Officer, Detective, Detective Corporal and Detective Sergeant, allowing him to gain valuable experience at every level. In September 2025, he was promoted to Captain of Administrative and Support Services. Throughout his career, Captain Bryant has demonstrated exceptional service and leadership. He holds the Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate, CICP (Criminal Investigations Certificate Program, and LCP (Leadership Certificate Program). In addition to his administrative duties he is a certified general instructor, a specialized driving instructor and has completed FBI Trilogy. As Captain of Administrative and Support Services, he oversees several vital divisions that support both the agency and the community, including Criminal Investigations, VICE, the Administrative Sergeant, Communications, Records, and Property/Evidence. His leadership emphasizes accountability, transparency, and a strong partnership between law enforcement and the community.