Hickory Police Department promotes three veteran officers
The Hickory Police Department is proud to announce the promotion of three veteran members of the department.
On June 25, 2023, Lieutenant Wes Gardin was promoted to Captain and Division Commander of HPD’s Support Services Division. Sergeant Jeff Jenkins was promoted to Lieutenant and Commander of Baker P.A.C.T. Master Police Officer Josh Hight was promoted to Sergeant and Supervisor of Charles P.A.C.T.
“Captain Gardin, Lieutenant Jenkins, and Sergeant Hight have all demonstrated outstanding service and dedication to the department and the community for many years,” Hickory Police Chief Reed Baer said. “I am excited to see them grow in their new roles and I know that they will continue to excel.”
Captain Wes Gardin began his career at HPD in January of 2006 after completing Basic Law Enforcement Training (B.L.E.T.) at Western Piedmont Community College.
Captain Gardin was born in McDowell County and graduated from McDowell High School in 1999. He attended Western Carolina University and graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice in 2005.
Gardin has held numerous leadership positions at HPD including most recently Lieutenant of the Criminal Investigations Division. He also served as a narcotics supervisor, member of the Special Operations Team, and as an instructor for both firearms and rapid deployment.
He enjoys spending time with his family, attending church, being outdoors, and staying active.
Lt. Jeff Jenkins began his career at HPD after completing B.L.E.T. at Caldwell Community College in 2010. Born in Hickory and raised in Caldwell County, he graduated from South Caldwell High School in 1994, then Appalachian State University in 1998 with a degree in Sociology. In 2021, Jenkins obtained his Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from East Carolina University.
Prior to his promotion to Lieutenant, Jenkins served as Sergeant and supervisor of Adam P.A.C.T. He also served as a narcotics investigator, member of the Special Operations Team, and as a firearms instructor.
Jenkins spends his free time with his family, snowboarding, cooking, and traveling.
Sgt. Josh Hight began his career at HPD in 2009 after completing B.L.E.T. at Catawba County Community College (CVCC). Hight was born in Hickory and grew up in the Newton-Conover area. Hight is a U.S. Air Force veteran and following his service worked at the Catawba County Detention Center before joining HPD.
Prior to his promotion to Sergeant Hight served as a narcotics investigator, member of the Special Operations Team, and master police officer assigned to David P.A.C.T.
Hight enjoys spending time with his family and exercising during his free time.