Albemarle Assistant Police Chief Jesse Huneycutt received The Order of the Long Leaf Pine award on his final day on the job Friday.

Since 1963, North Carolina’s governors have reserved their highest honor for persons who have made significant contributions to the state and their communities through their exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments.

Huneycutt began a law enforcement career with the Albemarle Police Department in March 1988 as a patrolman.

While assigned to the patrol division he was promoted to the rank of sergeant in September 1992. In May 2003, Huneycutt served as an interim captain before being promoted to the rank of captain in July 2004. Huneycutt served in that capacity until February 2012, when he moved into a role with the Accreditation, Training & Planning Division.

In 2015, Huneycutt was promoted to the rank of assistant chief of police, and has remained in that capacity.

Huneycutt also served as the interim chief of police during 2019, and acting chief of police during 2021 for the Albemarle Police Department.

Huneycutt’s career with the Albemarle Police Department includes several professional achievements. He has been named an Albemarle Police Officer of the year. He is a four-time recipient of the Fraternal Order of Police – H. Ardell Simmons Service Award.

He has also served in a variety of specialized assignments including motorcycle patrol, special response team and field training officer.

Huneycutt is a graduate of North Stanly High School. He earned his (BLET) Basic Law Enforcement Training-General Certification from Stanly Technical College.

Future plans include spending more time with his wife, Joy Poplin Huneycutt, and their two children and more community service involvement.

For more on his career, view this feature.