After a national search, Cary hired Terry Sult on June 10 as its new police chief. With 40 years of law enforcement experience, Sult most recently served as Cary’s interim chief after retiring in 2021 from the Hampton Police Division in Hampton, Va. He formerly served as chief in Sandy Springs, Ga., and Gastonia, N.C., following a 27-year career with the Charlotte-Mecklenberg Police Department.

This quarter, Cary also focused successfully on hiring new public safety staff despite the challenging hiring environment for agencies across the nation. The onboarding of 14 new police officers this spring brings staffing levels to nearly 100%, an impressive feat given vacancy rates among peer agencies throughout the region. In addition to these new recruits, the FY 2023 budget includes expansion of service for the Downtown Cary Park to include six new officer positions; recruitment is under way. 

Fire also conducted a swift and successful recruitment, hiring 26 new firefighters out of 530 applicants hailing from across the country. Human Resources worked with Fire to conduct its fastest hiring process ever, running seven weeks and involving 19 fire personnel conducting three different interview phases, including a physical abilities assessment, required medical evaluations, and background checks. Cary recognized the need to move quickly in today’s highly competitive public safety hiring environment to be able to secure the best people. Cary also holds an advantage in recruiting police officers and firefighters thanks to the organization’s superior reputation, pay, benefits, career opportunities, training, and leadership development. 

On July 1, with the support of Council, Town Manager Sean Stegall, directors, Human Resources, and many others, Cary proudly announced the new Benefits My Way package to meet the needs of employees at all phases of their lives.

Each year, Cary evolves its benefits program by listening to staff’s needs while also exploring benefit options provided by other public and private entities. In recent years, Cary’s benefits reflected the organizational culture by putting employees first and leading with the human experience. This year, the new benefits package intentionally emphasizes that Cary values each employee, who together help cocreate its success. 

This quarter, Council approved a resolution that permits Wake County’s nondiscrimination ordinance to apply within Cary’s corporate limits. The ordinance prohibits discrimination in public accommodations and employment against a broader base of protected classes than those traditionally covered by federal and state law. Cary also adopted a nondiscrimination policy for Town operations that would apply to all Cary citizens and those who interact with the Cary government. By adopting this resolution and policy, Cary continues to further its commitment in fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace and community.