Distinguished Police Officer honoree has spent entire career in Pine Level

By RANDY CAPPS

It’s often said that a man’s first job is always his most special. That’s certainly been the case for Pine Level Police Chief Ashley Woodard.

Woodard, who has worked for the town since becoming a police officer in 2005, is this year’s recipient of the 2021 Johnston Now Honors Distinguished Police Officer Award.

Born in Raleigh, Woodard moved to Johnston County in the mid '80s, and about 10 years later, found himself in Pine Level.

“In school, for a co-op program, I worked in Cyn-Mar Greenhouses with Mrs. Wilma Baker,” he said.

He went straight from there to Wayne Community College with an eye on becoming a police officer.

“Pine Level is a great community,” he said. “I worked at the greenhouse there, and through that, I met Chief (Keith) Sparks. He sponsored me for the academy. He helped me in the academy, and when I got out, he offered me a job part time. A couple of months later, a full-time spot became available. The town is just such a great place to work. Great place to work, and I’ve been there ever since.”

That was 2005, and if Sparks hadn’t done enough to support Woodard’s career, he helped the newly minted police officer find his calling in that profession.

“Chief Sparks had me do an interview one time, doing some hiring and things like that,” he said. “That’s when I really got into administration. I loved it, and he sent me to classes.”

In March 2019, Woodard followed his mentor and became chief. And despite the negativity surrounding the profession, he’s still committed to doing good police work.

“When I first got in it, it seemed like more people actually cared about law enforcement,” he said. “But with everything that’s gone on around the country, we pretty much feel hated at times. Law enforcement itself will take care of anybody that doesn’t need to be in the position. It’s always been that way. I believe that most cops that are in it are, like myself, just truly wanting to help people. I’m sure one or two (that don’t) get through, and we see it. But I can only hold myself accountable at the end of the day.

“When you get in it, you’ve got to have a servant’s heart. You’ve got to work just as hard to exonerate the innocent as you do to convict the guilty. I tell all my guys that. It’s very important.”

It’s that kind of spirit that makes Woodard and the Town of Pine Level a perfect match.