Captain Wes Gardin began his law enforcement career with the Hickory Police Department (HPD) in January 2006, following his completion of Basic Law Enforcement Training (B.L.E.T.) at Western Piedmont Community College. Throughout his tenure with HPD, Captain Gardin has served in a variety of leadership roles, including a narcotics supervisor, a member of the Special Operations Team, an instructor in both firearms and rapid deployment tactics, and Lieutenant in the Criminal Investigations Division. On June 25, 2023, he was promoted to the rank of Captain and Commander of HPD’s Support Services Division. He currently serves as Special Projects Commander. A native of McDowell County, Captain Gardin graduated from McDowell High School in 1999. He went on to earn a degree in Criminal Justice from Western Carolina University in 2005. Outside of his professional responsibilities, he enjoys spending time with his family, attending church, being outdoors, and staying physically active.