CHARLOTTE, N.C. — John Thompson is preparing to turn in his badge after leading one of North Carolina’s largest police departments, closing a chapter that began decades ago with a simple desire to serve.
Before retiring, Thompson sat down for a one-on-one interview to reflect on his path to policing, the department’s recent crime trends and the emotional weight of leading through tragedy.
A calling rooted in service
Thompson did not initially set out to become a police chief or even a police officer.
“I actually was a missionary for my church, and I spent two years in New York City, doing missionary work. And when that came to an end, my parents had moved to Charlotte,” he said. “And so I came to the Charlotte area at that time, and I really just wanted an opportunity to serve.”…