Asheboro Police Chief Follows in his Father’s Footsteps
asheboro, crime-related issues, culture, gary mason, police, robert mason, sheriff, the salvation army,
The thing Asheboro Police Chief Gary Mason loves most about his job is simply seeing that the right thing is done.
This is a lesson he learned from his dad‚ Robert Mason‚ who died in 1989 during his third term as sheriff. Robert Mason was a member of the Asheboro police force when his son was born.
“I’ve had a lot of people speak very highly of him‚ that he treated people decently and fairly‚” Mason says. “It’s been a pleasure to follow in his footsteps.”
A 28-year veteran of the force‚ Mason was appointed Dec. 1‚ 1999‚ to his present position. When he speaks to area churches and civic groups about crime-related issues‚ the most-asked questions typically focus on illegal drugs.
Under his guidance‚ the department has formed the Asheboro Drug Task Force to raise awareness of this issue and ultimately eradicate the problem.
Mason believes that part of his role as police chief is to be a vibrant contributor to community life. He is on the board of the Asheboro/Randolph Chamber of Commerce and The Salvation Army.
“I want to keep the police department in a positive light and be involved in the community‚” he says. “I’ve enjoyed that. That’s part of who I am but also what the job really requires.”
Story by Catherine Darnell
Photo by Michael W. Bunch
