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The Town of Manteo has announced the appointment of Brad Eilert as its new Manteo Police Department chief.

Eilert has more than 25 years of law enforcement experience with 16 of those in a supervisory role. “He has incredible leadership skills and has helped build positive and effective relationships with stakeholders, staff, and the entire Outer Banks community,” noted the Town of Manteo announcement of his appointment.

On October 31, 2023 Police Chief Vance Haskett retired and Eilert was sworn in as interim police chief. Town manager Melissa Dickerson quickly moved forward with putting together an interview committee consisting of long-time law enforcement experts Bill Godley and Scott Parker.

Godley is a retired State Bureau of Investigation agent and Dare County Sheriff’s Office lieutenant (currently an auxiliary officer), graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Academy and of the North Carolina Administrative Officers Management Program.

Parker currently serves as the major for Homeland Security and Special Operations for the Wake County Sheriff’s Office. He served as deputy commissioner for the NC Division of Motor Vehicles, the first African American to serve as a U.S.marshal in the eastern district of North Carolina, Narcotics Division commander of the Nash County Sheriff’s Office, assistant commander with the Roanoke Chowan Narcotics Task Force, Nashville Police Department officer, graduate of the FBI National Academy and North Carolina’s Criminal Investigator’s Academy at the NC Justice Academy.

Both Godley and Parker are recipients of North Carolina’s esteemed Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award, which is the highest award for state service granted by the Office of the Governor.

Dickerson, Godley and Parker reviewed the four applications received and interviewed candidates on Friday, February 16, 2024.

Eilert began his career with the Manteo Police Department in 2019 and previously held the position of police lieutenant prior to being named interim police chief. He holds a bachelor of

science from Old Dominion University and a master of arts in criminal justice from Arizona State University. Additionally, he earned a law enforcement administration certificate while obtaining his master’s degree. Eilert attended the FBI National Academy and the Leadership Institute at the NC Justice Academy, where he earned certificates in traffic investigation, criminal investigation and leadership.

“Not only does Chief Eilert have an abundance of training, but he also values the importance of sharing that knowledge and his experiences with other law enforcement officers,” stated the Town of Manteo announcement. “He is the School Director for both General Instructor and Speed Measuring Instrument Programs at the College of the Albemarle, Dare Campus, providing instruction and assistance with related classes including the Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) program.”

Eilert was born and raised in Petersburg, Va. in a family with deep roots in the law enforcement profession with a total of 93 years of service combined. His father Stephen retired as the police chief for the Petersburg Bureau of Police (Virginia) and was a graduate of the FBI National Academy; his sister Stephanie retired from the Colonial Heights Police Department (Virginia); and his twin brother Chad retired from Prince George County (Virginia). Currently, his brother-in-law Keith Early serves as the police chief for Prince George County (Virginia), adding another 15 years of service. “It is not hard understand that with such a strong family history in law enforcement, Chief Eilert was instilled with a passion to help others, and it is truly a family affair,” the announcement continued.

Since 2001, Eilert has lived on the Outer Banks and moved to Manteo in 2016 with his wife Becca, who is a registered nurse at The Outer Banks Hospital. Eilert’s sons Brayden (18) and Barrett (12) attend Manteo schools. He enjoys spending time with family and community and has helped coach his children and others through Dare County Baseball. He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus through the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Kitty Hawk.

“I want to thank the Town of Manteo, Board of Commissioners, Town Manager Melissa Dickerson, and the community for giving me the opportunity to lead our police department into the future,” said Eilert. “We will continue to build trust and positive relationships with our community, stakeholders and law enforcement partners to establish an effective and efficient form of policing. Through innovation and training, we will build upon the capabilities of our very well-trained personnel and adapt to the evolution of law enforcement. We will always strive to be part of the community and provide the best service possible to keep Manteo a safe place to live and visit.”

Town Manager Dickerson stated “The Town of Manteo and its staff are looking forward to continuing our close working relationship with Police Chief Brad Eilert. His accomplishments are many, his relationships with others are held in high regard, and his proven leadership will only help strengthen the Town of Manteo’s commitment to being a safe place to live, work, play, and raise our families. Congratulations Chief Brad Eilert, we are so very proud of you!”

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