Kenly's New Top Cop Is Youngest Johnston County Police Chief

Kenly’s new top cop says he has a zero tolerance for drugs and prostitution. Josh Gibson was named the new Kenly police chief this week. He also becomes the youngest police chief in Johnston County . Gibson said, “I want to give back to the community what they have given to me and my family. I want to work with the community to make Kenly a safer place.” Gibson promised a zero tolerance policy for drugs and prostitution. The new chief said offenders caught will not be given a citation, but they will be taken to jail. Kenly Town Manager Scott Shelton says Gibson may be young, just shy of his thirtieth birthday, but he comes with a lot of experience. Gibson, a Wilson ’s Mills native, joined the force in May 2001 and worked his way up from patrol to K-9 officer, then to sergeant and lieutenant. Gibson took over as interim chief last October when David Mangum was fired for allegedly misusing a town issued credit card. Mangum is still awaiting trial on those charges. Gibson was selected by Shelton after interviews conducted with the town council and a citizen’s advisory committee. Shelton said, “The decision was based primarily on work he had done in the last six months as acting chief. All the finalists were good candidates. Josh will do an excellent job. He is learning every day. He has the potential to be a good chief and leader. We look forward to having him for many years.” Gibson will be paid an annual salary of $36,200, slightly lower than former Chief Mangum, who was making $38,375 when he was terminated. Gibson, a 1995 graduate of South Johnston High, will oversee the 9-member department, and one administrative assistant, including the agency's half million dollar budget.