Roanoke Rapids honors retiring Police Chief Shane Guyant with service sidearm and state award

The Roanoke Rapids City Council and city officials honored retiring Police Chief Shane Guyant on Dec. 3, presenting him with his service badge and authorizing transfer of his service sidearm in accordance with state law.

Interim Police Chief Phillips opened the presentation and requested the council approve turning over Chief Guyant's service sidearm and badge to him "in accordance with the following general statute," citing a state statute regarding presentation of sidearms to retiring officers. A motion to award the service sidearm (a .40-caliber Smith & Wesson described in the record) to Guyant for consideration of $1 carried by voice vote.

Representative Michael Ray presented the Governor's Order of the Longleaf Pine on behalf of Governor Roy Cooper and praised Guyant's years of service and leadership in the community. "On behalf of Governor Roy Cooper ... it's an honor and privilege to present this to you," Ray said, describing the award and expressing gratitude for Guyant's service. Guyant, who the meeting record shows retired on Dec. 1, 2024, spoke about his 31-plus-year career and thanked colleagues and family. "Thank you for letting me serve you, and I hope I did it well. I hope I made you proud," he said.

Council recorded the formal motion and approval to transfer the badge and sidearm and directed staff to process the required paperwork. City Clerk Tracy Storey and finance staff were asked to complete the $1 consideration transaction the following morning.

The presentation included remarks from interim chief Phillips and other council members and concluded with applause and council thanks.