The State Law Enforcement Officers Chapter of the North Carolina Police Benevolent Association is one of the most diverse chapters in the State. These law enforcement professionals have vast experiences in many different regulations. Some officers inspect for fisheries or hunting violations, while others safeguard the general assembly, to others that specialize in transportation or investigations. These are only part of their duties. See the PBA website for a complete list of agencies.
Members with this chapter have been working diligently with the NCPBA leadership on many of the issues that affect all law enforcement within the state. Whether it was speaking with a local representative in their neighborhood discussing potential impacts, or attending a crucial meeting at the state legislature to show support for various legislation, members were proud to help. Members also assisted in various screenings for many local and state held elected offices. These are crucial to let all candidates know the strength of the NCPBA and how their votes affect law enforcement officers and their families.
Members in this chapter represent many state agencies and the chapter’s executive board is no different. Steve Anthony as president, John Taylor as senior vice president, Chad Starbuck as vice president, and Neal Ward as secretary, are well suited to handle any issues that may arise. These officers have a wealth of experience between them that only intensifies their determination to help not just state law enforcement officers, but all professional officers throughout the state of North Carolina.
President Anthony began his career with Jacksonville, NC Police Department in 1991. After “cutting his teeth” as a rookie road officer, the chief included him to be a part of a newly created Street Crimes Unit that was responsible for high crime areas during afternoon and late nights. Two years after this he moved into the Community Services Division as a Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) officer. Realizing that his passion for law enforcement was steeped in the outdoors and having a relative serve as a Pennsylvania Game Warden, Anthony pursued a position with the NC Marine Patrol.
This goal came to fruition in 1995 when he was hired to be a law enforcement pilot with the Marine Patrol. Being a commercially rated pilot with a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical science, as well as law enforcement experience, the two went hand in hand. He soon was promoted to lead the aircraft section as chief pilot where he was responsible for two helicopters, three fixed wing aircraft and two pilots. He gained valuable experience working all over eastern North Carolina during those years.
A few years later Anthony was promoted to district captain responsible for the middle third of the state, areas from Emerald Isle, NC North to Washington, NC. This includes water bodies such as Core and Pamlico Sound, the Neuse and Pamlico Rivers, to the very active Morehead City port and Beaufort Inlet. Two sergeants and twelve field officers complement the rest of the team. Commercial and recreational fishing, shellfish closures, boating safety and key areas of enforcement.
Anthony has been a member of the PBA for only a few years but states, “I had wished I had taken membership early in my career. This is one of the finest organizations I have known and a privilege to be a part.” Anthony has been to many of the screenings and legislative functions personally. “One of the main goals of our chapter is to continue to grow its membership and spread the word of the benefits to all.” Anthony enjoys the outdoors and time spent with family. He and his wife of 25 years have three children and reside in Morehead City. He is currently an elder and clerk of session of First Presbyterian Church there as well.
John Taylor graduated from Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) in December of 2001 and began his law enforcement career with the Duke University Campus Police Department. In 2005 he was hired by the Roanoke Rapids Police Department where he served as a patrol officer, highway interdiction officer, and general criminal investigator. On November 17, 2010 he was shot multiple times while conducting a traffic stop on Interstate 95. He made a full recovery and was later hired by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI) as a criminal special agent in April of 2013. He investigates a variety of cases including murder and officer involved shootings and serves as a member of the NCSBI Bomb Squad and as an explosives K-9 handler. Taylor graduated magna cum laude from Western Carolina University and teaches for the Nash County College BLET program. He lives with his wife of 10 years and three children in Wilson, North Carolina. He volunteers with his son’s cub scout pack and enjoys running in his spare time.
Taylor has been a PBA member since 2005. After being shot on the interstate the PBA and PBF supported he and his family more than he ever expected, and more than he could ever repay. In 2017, an opportunity to serve on the board of the State Law Enforcement Officers Chapter presented itself and Taylor now proudly serves; hoping he can help other officers and continue the mission of the PBA.
Starbuck was named the state’s top wildlife officer for 2009 by the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. He was honored for his outstanding service in the field, dedication to conservation and his tireless efforts to involve others, especially youth, in the outdoors. His resolve to deal with budget constraints and still maintain exceptional job performance was lauded.
Starbuck’s activities and achievements are impressive. His community efforts included participation in a Crime Stoppers program, initiating a Trout in the Classroom project for a local elementary school and, with a bow hunters group, started a venison donation program to assist needy families. Starbuck also coordinates an annual fishing derby for local children, attended by 200 kids this year.
Neal Ward was born and raised in Chesapeake, Virginia. Neal and his family moved to Jacksonville North Carolina where he graduated from Jacksonville High School in 2005. After high school, Neal attended a local community college and worked part time with the North Carolina State Parks. Starting in 2007, he enrolled at University of North Carolina Wilmington, where he graduated with a degree in Parks and Recreation Management in 2009.
In 2010, Neal started his law enforcement career with North Carolina State Parks as a Park Ranger at Falls Lake State Recreation Area where he continued to work for the next seven years. During this time, he was promoted to an Advanced Park Ranger, received the State Parks Commendation Award, and was named Chairman of the Park Life Committee.
Neal currently works as an Inspector with the License and Theft Bureau, part of the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles.
North Carolina Division
