By RAY WYCHE
Staff Writer

Hallsboro native Timothy R. Bellamy has been named police chief of Greensboro, North Carolina’s third largest city, after having served for more than a year as interim police chief.

The son of Alene and the late J. C. Bellamy, he began work with the Greensboro Police after receiving a degree in criminal justice from Elizabeth City State University in 1981. He later earned a masters degree from UNC-Greensboro.

Bellamy, 47, graduated from Hallsboro High School in 1977.

Greensboro City Manager Mitch Johnson said Bellamy was chosen after a nationwide search and called him “absolutely the right man at the right time for the post. His effectiveness in bringing diverse individuals together ... in the wake of turmoil” following the previous chief’s resignation made Bellamy the outstanding candidate for the job.

The new chief’s “leadership and his knowledge of the department” formed “a unique blend of talents vital to the organization,” the manager added.

Bellamy’s salary has been set at $121,500 per year.

Rising through the ranks as patrol officer, sergeant, lieutenant, captain and assistant chief, Bellamy was officially named to the post at a ceremony in Greensboro City Hall last week.

The event was attended by his mother, other family members and friends, including his first grade teacher, Kathleen Powell of Hallsboro.

Bellamy’s mother and sister, Jackie Bellamy, a supervisor in child support services at the Columbus County Department of Social Services, live in Hallsboro.

A sister, Phyllis Lee, and a brother, Wilbert, live in Maryland. Another brother, Donnell, lives in Norfolk, Va., after having served 33 years in the U. S Navy.

His mother remarked after witnessing her son’s promotion ceremony: “I’m glad I lived to see this day.”

The new chief is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and has been president of the North Carolina Black Law Enforcement Executives since 2005.

He is a member of numerous other professional and civic organizations, including the Salvation Army board of directors.

Bellamy was named Greensboro Police Officer of the Year for 1988.