BLADENBORO, N.C. (WECT) – Bladenboro’s police chief addressed social media “misinformation” circulating about the status of his North Carolina Specialized Firearms Instructor Certification.
In a Nov. 13 statement, Chief Justin Hewett said the certification was revoked in December 2025 and that he did not learn of the change until recently.
Hewett said he has been a certified firearms instructor since 2011. He said he registered for a course in November 2024, but it was canceled because of a natural disaster. He did not register for another session before the deadline.
“I believed in good faith that my certification remained valid,” he said. “This was an oversight, and I accept responsibility for not completing the requirement.”
The chief said his certification listed an expiration date of February 2027 and that he did not receive direct notice of its revocation.
After learning of the revocation, Hewett said he contacted North Carolina Criminal Justice Standards, requested reconsideration and sought assistance through the Police Benevolent Association. Those efforts were unsuccessful.
Hewett said he also personally contacted the chiefs of affected departments to inform them of the issue.
Addressing specific social media rumors, Hewett said no state order was issued to shut down or suspend operations at the Bladenboro Police Department, and no cease-and-desist letter was issued by Criminal Justice Training and Standards to affected departments
“I will not make excuses for missing a required training update. However, I will not accept allegations of dishonesty, intentional misconduct, or deliberate disregard for the standards of this profession when that is not what occurred,“ Chief Hewett said in the statement. ”I stand behind the quality of the instruction I have provided since 2011, the officers I have trained, and the professional relationships I have built throughout this state.”
Click here to read Chief Hewett’s full statement.
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