BLADENBORO — Former Fair Bluff Police Chief Justin Hewett has been sworn in as the new chief of the Bladenboro Police Department, just days after abruptly leaving his post in Fair Bluff.
Hewett resigned from Fair Bluff the weekend of July 22, cleaning out his office the following day. Town officials confirmed his departure but did not release details about what led to the resignation. His exit left Fair Bluff without a chief and added to a long‑running pattern of turnover inside the small department.
Fair Bluff PD has faced staffing shortages, budget limitations, and leadership instability for several years. Officers have frequently cycled through the agency, and the town has struggled to maintain consistent command staff. Hewett’s departure came during a period of internal friction over resources and personnel decisions.
Bladenboro officials moved quickly to bring Hewett on board. After interviews earlier in the week, Hewett was sworn in on July 29 during a brief ceremony led by Mayor David Hales. Town leaders said they were pleased to fill the position and believe Hewett will bring stability to the department.
“We’re excited to have him join our team,” Hales said after the ceremony.
Hewett takes over a department that has been working to rebuild staffing and expand community policing efforts. His hiring comes at a time when many small‑town agencies across the region are competing for qualified officers and trying to retain leadership.
Fair Bluff has not yet announced an interim chief or a timeline for selecting Hewett’s replacement.
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