About Chief Will Armstrong
Chief of Police – Town of Brookford, North Carolina
Willie Duran Armstrong is the Chief of Police for Brookford, North Carolina, a close-knit town of just over 500 residents. His story is more than impressive—it's transformational. By the age of just 25, Chief Armstrong had already overcome extreme personal adversity, earned multiple degrees, redefined the direction of his local police department, and become one of the most respected small-town law enforcement leaders in the Country.
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Devoted Father and Husband
Outside of law enforcement, Chief Armstrong is a proud husband and father. His wife, Chasity, has worked in healthcare for years at a doctor’s office right in the heart of Mountain View. Together, they are raising their two children—Alayah and their oldest, Cayden—with strong values rooted in faith, family, and service.
The Armstrong family lives in the Mountain View community and are active members of Marketplace Church, where they continue to grow in their walk with Christ and their commitment to serving others.
Chief Armstrong was raised in Catawba County. He spent the majority of his elementary school years at Jenkins Elementary before attending Newton-Conover City Schools. His deep roots in the community fuel his passion and unwavering dedication to the people he serves—because Catawba County is, and always will be, his home.​​
From Adversity to Authority
Willie was born into hardship. Raised by parents who struggled with addiction and spent time in and out of jail, his childhood was marked by instability, trauma, and deep uncertainty. He cycled through foster homes, group homes, and experienced homelessness as a teenager. Despite these overwhelming challenges, he developed a sense of responsibility early on.
At just 14 years old, Willie took his first job at McDonald's, where he quickly proved himself through discipline, maturity, and an unmatched work ethic. By his teenage years, he had worked his way up to shift manager, showing early signs of the leadership that would define his future.
At 17, he left home in pursuit of a better life. At 18, he entered emergency medical services (EMS), beginning his journey into public safety—one that would soon lead to law enforcement.
Building His Law Enforcement Career
Willie started his law enforcement journey in 2019 at the Statesville Police Department. He worked his way up from patrol, gaining vital ground-level experience in community policing. Later, he joined a specialized DWI Task Force, where he enforced and held impaired drivers accountable—career-defining work that contributed significantly to road safety and saving lives.
Seeking broader opportunities to serve, Willie then joined the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, where he continued to develop his leadership and law enforcement skills before being selected as the Police Chief for the Town of Brookford.
Youngest Chief in North Carolina
At just 24 years old, Willie Armstrong made history as the youngest Chief of Police in North Carolina. But what makes that accomplishment truly extraordinary is not his age—it's the adversity he overcame to get there.
Chief Armstrong is living proof that where you come from doesn't define where you can go. He is a product of hardship turned hope, and now serves as a powerful example to youth, officers, and citizens alike.
Leading with Conservative Values
A committed Republican, Chief Armstrong proudly champions:
• Law and order
• Public safety
• Faith and family
• Limited government
• And unwavering support for law enforcement
He believes strong communities are built on respect, structure, and service—and he leads by example.
Transforming a Department
Under Chief Armstrong's leadership, the Brookford Police Department has seen historic growth and revitalization:
• Expanded from 2 officers to 10 active patrol officers
• Wrote and secured over $40,000 in law enforcement grants
• Added 7 police vehicles into the fleet, improving response capability
• provided every officer with a take-home vehicle
• Introduced professional standards, community outreach, and modern equipment that elevated the department's visibility and performance
• Added Christian values back to our law enforcement fleet "In God We Trust"
His work has brought a small-town department into the spotlight as a model of community-based, modern policing with transparency.
Praised by Town Leaders & Loved by the Community
In recent media coverage and public statements, Brookford's mayor and city council have praised Chief Armstrong as "the best Police Chief the town has ever had." His leadership has garnered the trust of elected officials and deep admiration from the community. Beyond his role as Chief, he also serves as an assistant to the town manager, actively contributing to the town's growth and development. Chief Armstrong is directly involved in the town's most significant expansion in its history, with nearly 300 new homes currently planned and scheduled for construction. His dedication to the town's progress underscores his commitment not only to public safety but also to shaping a thriving community.
Across the community, he is known not just as an officer, but as a mentor, role model, and protector. He takes pride in knowing the names of the people he serves, walking the neighborhoods, and showing up for the community—day or night.
Educational & Professional Excellence
Chief Armstrong became the first and only member of his family to attend college. He now holds:
• Associate Degree in Criminal Justice
• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Columbia Southern University (Major: Administration, Minor: Legal Studies)
Inducted into the Order of the Sword and Shield Society - the largest and most respected national honor society representing homeland security, emergency management, and related disciplines.
• Master of Public Administration (MPA) – Gardner-Webb University
• Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate, awarded for exceeding statewide standards in education, training, and experience.
He is also a graduate of some of the most prestigious law enforcement leadership programs in the country:
• North Carolina Justice Leadership Institute – the state's highest-level training academy
• FBI-LEEDA Leadership Trilogy – national certification in law enforcement leadership
• Certified North Carolina General Instructor
Executive Board Seats
Chief Armstrong has served on multiple executive boards such as Small and Rural Law Enforcement Executives Association (SRLEEA), where he advocates for and promotes positive change in small and rural law enforcement agencies across the country. Additionally, he was with the Family Guidance Center before its disbandment, supporting initiatives aimed at addressing domestic violence in Catawba County and improving family safety and well-being of families.
National & Media Recognition
Chief Armstrong gained national recognition when his department was featured on the popular TV series On Patrol: Live. His professionalism and relatable leadership quickly stood out, leading to recurring appearances on the show.
Additionally, Chief Armstrong is frequently sought after by major networks like Law and Crime where he provides industry expert opinion and commentary.