Jaynes, Taylor honored for police work at City Council retirement ceremony

Former Kinston Police Chief Alonzo Jaynes, right, is honored at Monday’s Kinston City Council meeting by Mayor Don Hardy, left, and City Manager Tony Sears. Photo by Junious Smith III / Neuse News

By Junious Smith III

A pair of great policemen were honored in Monday’s City Council meeting.

Chief Alonzo Jaynes and Sgt. Dennis Taylor were recognized for their work with the Kinston Police Department and Public Safety. Jaynes had been in his position for three years with Kinston, but his career spanned for 30 — mainly in the Triangle. Meanwhile, Taylor started working with the Fire Department, but transitioned to the police side during his 30 years with Kinston.

Kinston Mayor Don Hardy had positive words for both.  

“When Chief Jaynes came to the department, he was excited, motivated and ready to work,” Hardy said. “He implemented community interaction events, not just with the youth but senior citizens, which meant a lot to the people of Kinston. He was able to build a rapport, so if the department was looking for a lead the community was more willing to talk to him. We were able to solve cases we hadn’t in years because of that rapport and it was a great thing for him to come in with his own touch and uniqueness. We hate to see him go, but we understand with his family and the fact he reached his 30-year mark.

Sgt. Dennis Taylor is honored by Kinston Police Department interim Chief Tim Dilday as Kinston Mayor Don Hardy looks on during a retirement recognition ceremony at Monday’s city council meeting. Photo by Junious Smith III / Neuse News

“I worked alongside Sgt. Taylor with the city police. He was a very good officer and worked with the Gang Task Force, teaching classes about gang-related activity and offenses. He was able to deter students from being gang members, while also teaching them about how to recognize that type of activity. He taught classes at Rochelle, was one of the first to start the task force and became a chief guy with the Special Response unit.”

Taylor said it meant the most to him being able to bring a good change in the community.

“This is home for me,” Taylor said. “I had the opportunity to provide an impact in the community where my kids are growing up and knowing I could help others. All that mattered to me was being able to nestle down where I was at to make a difference.”

Jaynes said he was glad to help create a template with the police department.

“It was really about planting seeds, building a path my successors could follow and do things far better than I ever did,” Jaynes said. “When you build a system, you can remove Alonzo and anyone in my seat who cares about the community can do great things. I felt this was a perfect time for me, and the public safety split was long overdue to have a dedicated police and fire department.”

Hardy said he’s confident in the direction of KPD.

“We have a lot of great officers on staff who are doing great things,” Hardy said. “Tim Dilday will be able to take the torch and move us forward to even greater heights.”