The Kinston Police Department announced the loss of retired Police Officer Levi Simmons who served in law enforcement for 50 years and was certified as the longest-serving police officer in North Carolina. Originally from Sneads Ferry, Simmons started his career after capturing the attention of Jacksonville’s chief of police in 1967. His service in Kinston lasted from 1990 through his retirement in 2018.

“The last 20 years of Cpl. Simmons' tenure was spent as the School Resource Officer at Rochelle Middle School,” said Kinston Police Chief Tim Dilday.

Simmons referred to his years at Rochelle Middle School as his favorite in his long career. He loved arriving at the school and interacting with the children.

“Always with a calm demeanor and a kind word, Cpl. Simmons was a man who commanded respect by giving respect. Levi was a stickler for orderliness and did his part to keep the peace at Rochelle Middle School,” said Dilday.

In 1970 he was voted Policeman of the Year and Simmons has 18 accommodation letters, 12 commendation awards and attended more than 295 law enforcement training programs and courses. Simmons was awarded the top honor that can be given to a resident of North Carolina by the governor which is the Order of the Long Leaf Pine.

Simmons strived to be a positive role model in the community. He was the first black officer in Jacksonville to drive a patrol car, finish radar school, finish breath analyzer school, work as an undercover detective, and work as a SWAT instructor.

“After his retirement, Levi continued his community service with the KPD's Sentinel volunteer program and maintained his certification with Sheriff Ingram at the Lenoir County Sheriff's Office,” said Dilday.

His most distinguished accomplishment is recognition form the N.C. State Attorney General in which he received his Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate for dedication and performance by the N.C. Criminal Justice Training and Standards Council.

“For me, as a young officer 25 years ago, our conversations always concerned one of two things: policing or cars, both things we enjoyed,” said Dilday.

Though he planned on retiring in the mid 90’s, Simmons instead chose to spend the next two years as a school resource officer at Rochelle Middle School after the passing of his wife.

“Levi was a man of faith who realized the important things in life, and we can all learn from his kind, caring ways. He will be truly missed by this community,” said Dilday.