The Oakboro Police Department has a new police chief as the town looks to rebuild its police force.

At Monday’s meeting of the commission, the board unanimously voted to name Neil Preslar as the new chief.

Preslar, a Norwood native, served in law enforcement for close to 30 years, much of it with the North Carolina Highway Patrol, both as a patrolman and later with the Commercial Motor Vehicles Division.

Oakboro Town Administrator Georgia Harvey said a board of five members unanimously made the recommendation to town commissioners. The board consisted of David Heath, Leslie Bates, Ernie Broadway, Stanly County Sheriff Jeff Crisco and Oakboro Town Commissioner Lanny Hathcock.

Heath said the nominating committee “had a good group of folks that represented a broad cross-section of the community.”

Mint Hill Police Chief Joe Hatley, an Oakboro native, also spoke on Preslar’s behalf, saying he has known Preslar personally and professionally for nearly 30 years.

Commissioner Joey Carpenter said he had a long talk with Preslar and felt afterwards he “was the man for the job.”

Commissioner Brett Barbee said Preslar has knowledge of the job, handles himself with ease, and “views the job as a challenge. Those are all good traits that we envision our small town police chief having: quality, accountability, humility and a willingness to serve.”

Commissioner Latoya Jackson said in speaking with Preslar, he will treat others the way he wants to be treated. Jackson also mentioned community policing as something citizens want to see.

Commissioner Lanny Hathcock, who serves as the town’s police commissioner, said Preslar “is going to be good for Oakboro. He’s going to stick out his hand and talk to everyone.”

Commissioner Bud Smith said the board was all human, adding “sometimes we get it right, and sometimes we don’t. I believe this present board tonight, and prior to tonight, got it right in our discussions referring to keeping the police department.”

Mayor Chris Huneycutt also expressed his opinion of Preslar, saying Preslar “will be a wonderful addition to Oakboro.”

Preslar then spoke to the board and community at the meeting after being approved, saying he retired from the Highway Patrol in January.

“We’re all human, but I’ve seen a lot of things than can cause these officers problems, and I’m hoping with the experience I have, I’ll be able to recognize and pick the right people.”

Preslar asked the community to be patient. “We want to do this right. We want to pick the right people.”

The chief will unofficially start his new position Nov. 25, but he can not be officially sworn in until his paperwork is completed.