Chief Stephanie Mardis Swearing In Ceremony - Sept. 18, 2026 - Durham Performing Arts Center

Greetings. Welcome to the swearing in ceremony for Durham Police Chief Stephanie Martis. My name is Carla Banks and I'm humbled to serve as your mistress of ceremonies for today's program. I think we can all agree today is an exciting day for the Bull City and for the members of the public safety community. Words cannot express what a tremendous privilege this is to stand before you as we honor my very dear friend and longtime professional colleague as she prepares to take the oath of office as chief of the Durham Police Department. We'll begin today's program with the national anthem. For those of you who are physically able, please stand and welcome to the stage Miss Gwindelyn Tyson Bryant. Following her performance, please remain standing for the invocation delivered by Pastor Michael McNair of Circle City Church in High Point, North Carolina. Oh, say can you [singing] see by the dawn early [singing] light what so proudly we held [singing] at the twilight last gleaming whose broad stripes and bright stars through The perilous [singing] fight. All the rampers we watched [singing] were so gallently streaming. And [screaming] the rockets red glare. The bombs bursting in [screaming] air gave proof [singing] through the night that our flag was [singing] still there. Oh, say does that star spangled ber yet way. [screaming] [crying] Oh, the land and of the free [screaming] and the home of the brave. [screaming] The brave. Let us pray. Eternal and gracious God, we pause in this significant moment to acknowledge your presence, seek your wisdom, and ask for your covering. We begin by praying for our world and all humanity. In a time when division, violence, fear, and uncertainty are present in so many places, turn our hearts back toward you. Turn our hearts toward one another. You declared in your word, "If my people who are called by my name would humble themselves and pray, seek my face, turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven." So today we humble ourselves and we pray. We pray that you would bring healing where there is hurt, peace where there is conflict, justice where there is inequality, and hope wherever despair has taken hold. We ask that you bless the people who call this city home. is hardworking citizens, families, college students, children and youth. Bless our schools, our educators, our colleges and universities, our medical centers and healthc care professionals, our businesses, community organizations, faith leaders, and public servants. Let Durham continue to be a city of innovation, opportunity, resilience, justice, and unity. We pray for the Durham Police Department. Place your protection over every officer, every detective, every corporal, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, administrator, dispatcher, and staff member. Protect them as they serve. Give them wisdom when decisions may be made quickly, courage when circumstances become dangerous, compassion when people are hurting, and restraint when tensions are high. Strengthen the trust between this department and the community it has been called to serve. And now God, we lift you up and we lift up Chief Stephanie Martis as her pastor and spiritual leader. I thank you for the privilege to witness her journey, her character, her commitment to service. As she takes this oath and assumes this sacred responsibility, grant her wisdom like Solomon, the courage of Joshua, the integrity of Daniel, and the compassion necessary to lead people well. Father, guard her heart, guard her mind, her family, and her health. Surround her with people who offer wise counsel, honest feedback, and faithful support. Lord, when the weight of leadership becomes heavy, remind her that she carries this not alone. May she lead with strength without losing her tenderness, exercise authority without surrendering humility, and pursue justice while honoring the dignity of every person. Let her leadership bring greater safety to our streets, deeper trust within our communities, and renewed strength to this department. Father, may this moment mark the beginning of a chapter defined by integrity, accountability, collaboration, courage, and meaningful progress. We commit Chief Stephanie Martis, the Durham Police Department, and the entire city of Durham into your loving, capable hands. It's in your holy name we pray. Amen. Amen. Thank you, Pastor McNair, for setting a meaningful tone for today's ceremony, reminding us of the shared purpose that brings us together as we show our support and recognition of the woman of the hour. Let's give another round of applause to Miss Tyson Bryant for that outstanding rendition of the national anthem. At this time, allow me to introduce the special guest seated on stage, starting from my far left to right, Mr. Jackson Martis, son of Chief Stephanie Martis. Mrs. Rosa Cambridge, mother of Chief Stephanie Martis, the woman of the hour. Chief Stephanie Martis, North Carolina Superior Court Judge Josephine Kerr Davis, Pastor Leah Hill McNair, Circle City Church. Pastor Michael McNair, Circle City Church. At this time, I will acknowledge the representatives of Durham's leadership and other dignitaries who are in attendance. Those who were unable to attend today's ceremony extended heartfelt congratulations in advance along with their regrets. For those of you joining us, if you are physically able, please stand and be recognized when I call the name of your organization or affiliation. Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams and the Durham City Council members, representatives of the US government and the state of North Carolina, deputy city managers and city of Durham department directors. Members of the Durham County Commission and County Staff, members of the Durham Police Department Executive Command and Command Staff, retired chiefs of the Durham Police Department, current police chiefs and sheriffs. other retired members of any law enforcement agency, public safety organization, and the military. Thank you for your service. Please know your attendance is much appreciated. Let's give them another round of applause. At this time, it's my distinct honor to introduce the woman of the hour, Chief Stephanie Martis. Earlier, I mentioned us being professional colleagues. I met Chief Martis 10 years ago during my third week with the city of Greensboro as director of the communications and marketing department. I signed up for an 8-week leadership program. And once I arrived at the class, I decided to sit at a table that was empty because I really didn't know anyone. So about 10 minutes later, Chief Martis walked up, said hello, and introduced herself. To this day, the lasting first impression I'm left with is her million-doll smile. [laughter] Her smile was so infectious, so warm, and so welcoming. It immediately enabled me to see past her uniform and the badge and see her for the truly remarkable person she is. Over the course of those eight weeks, we became fast friends. And I grew to appreciate observing her intellect, her exceptional problem-solving skills, her team building acumen, and just that natural way she has about connecting with others so effortlessly. The two things we share in common that often fuel the basis of our conversations are her faith and her genuine relationship with God. That is what grounds her and it's what guides her and in my estimation it's what makes her a true servant leader at [snorts] heart. Certainly a rare quality these days. Without a doubt, the city of Durham is in very good and capable hands and the Durham Police Department will soar to new heights as Chief Marty leads the charge. As evidenced in the program, her impressive resume is quite lengthy. So, allow me to share the key points highlighting her journey to Durham. Chief Martis brings nearly 25 years of law enforcement experience with the Greensboro Police Department, where she excelled through the ranks to become assistant chief. Throughout her career, she served in several capacities, including patrol, investigations, tactical operations, professional standards, and executive administration. In addition to earning degrees from Bennett College and Liberty University, Chief Martis is a graduate of the National FBI Academy and has completed several distinguished leadership programs. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated and vice president of the Eastern North Carolina chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives. Most importantly, Chief Martis is committed to the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors of Durham. Before we welcome Durham's 17th Chief of Police, I yield the microphone to Durham's deputy city manager, Keith Chadwell, who will bring special remarks. >> Ladies and gentlemen, good morning, Chief Stephanie Martis. On behalf of city manager William Bo Ferguson, whose schedule would not allow him to be with us today, it is my distinct pleasure to welcome you to the city of Durham and to the most mighty and magnificent local government organization there is in the United States, so far as I know. I also would like to extend our hospitality and hearty welcome to Chief Marty's family, personal friends, and supporters who have traveled to Durham today to be a part of this ceremony. I'd like to make take a moment first to open my brief remarks by expressing my honor and appreciation for the men and women women of the Durham Police Department. The citizens of Durham very much love their city and few, if any, sit on the sidelines to express this love. We express our diversity. We're devoted to eliminating barriers that would interrupt our learning, our enjoyment, and our growth. We nourish our institutions and we celebrate our accomplishments. Collaboration and engagement are uncompromising tenants of our community. To my colleagues in the Durham Police Department, I salute you for your tireless efforts to meet the striden challenges known and unknown that you face on a daily basis and also that allows us to realize the Durham I have attempted to describe here today. For allowing of all of us a chance to find paths of unfettered enjoyment in our city through your work. I salute you. I thank you. utilizing this as a foundation for our purpose here today. We're here to execute the passing of the leadership baton at the Durham Police Department. In that realm comes 24 years of experience in law enforcement. In that realm comes a career that contains a documented focus on the welfare of persons at a neighborhood level. In that realm comes a commitment to the overall welfare of her fellow officers and a respect for their points of view. In that realm comes a commitment to community engagement and thorough collaboration. Also in that realm comes documented successes at forging community partnerships between citizens and law enforcements. In that realm comes experience in policing operations that will inform disciplined and responsive services to our citizens. And in that realm comes commitment driven by her heart and purpose guided by her faith. Ladies and gentlemen, in that realm today comes Chief Stephanie Martis. [applause] Chief, getting to know you has been a pleasant and a dynamic experience and we look forward to working with you and charge that you will go about your work with God's blessings. Durham, there are significant challenges ahead in the public in the public safety space. But I am prepared to announce in the face of that challenge, we're in good hands. To the family and friends of Chief Martis, I want you to know that she's in good hands. And so I'll I'll close my remarks by paraphrasing a quick lyric from one of my all-time favorite singing groups, Temptations. Get ready. Here she comes. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Chadwell. Now for the moment we've all been waiting for. Administering the oath of office is North Carolina Superior Court Judge Josephine Kerr Davis. Judge Kerr Davis's career spans more than 20 years in civil and criminal law. As a former prosecutor, she worked to safeguard the rights of the accused while also helping to ensure that North Carolina remains a safe place to work and live. In 2018, the Honorable Kerr Davis was elected by the voters of Durham County to serve an eight-year term as superior court judge. She presides over both civil and criminal cases throughout the state of North Carolina. Judge Kerr Davis is a graduate of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. >> [laughter] >> North Carolina Central University School of Law and she received her master's of law in judicial studies at Duke University. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. The proud mother of three is married to Frederick Davis, II, Chief Operations Officer of Orange County Schools. Please join me in welcoming North Carolina Superior Court Judge Josephine Kerr Davis as she prepares to administer the oath of office. >> Good morning. Thank you, Miss Banks, for that warm welcome. At this time, I would like to ask Chief Martis, Miss Rosa Cambridge, mother of Chief Martis, Mr. Jackson Martis, the son of Chief Martis, to please stand with me. Chief Martis, thank you for placing your left hand on the Bible and raising your right. At this time, I'd like for you to repeat after me. I >> I Stephanie Rose Martis >> do solemnly swear >> that I will support and maintain >> the Constitution and laws of the United States >> the Constitution and laws of the United States >> and the Constitution and laws of the state of North Carolina >> and the Constitution and laws of the state of North Carolina >> not inconsistent therewith >> not inconsistent therewith and that I will faithfully >> And I will faithfully >> discharge the duties of my office >> as chief of police >> as chief of police. >> So help me God. >> So help me God. I >> I Stephanie Rose Marty >> do solemnly swear >> that I will support and maintain >> the Constitution of the United States >> and that I will be faithful >> and I will be faithful >> and bear true allegiance >> to the state of North Carolina >> and to the constitutional powers and authorities >> and to the constitutional powers and authorities >> which are or may be established >> for the government thereof >> for the government government thereof >> and that I will endeavor to support >> maintain >> and defend the Constitution >> of this state >> not inconsistent with >> the Constitution of the United States. >> The Constitution of the United States >> to the best of my knowledge >> to the best of my knowledge. >> And my ability >> and my ability. >> So help me God. >> So help me God. I I Stephanie Rose Martis do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I will be alert that I will be alert >> and vigilant >> to enforce >> the criminal laws of this state >> and that I will not be influenced >> and I will not be influenced >> in any matter on account >> in any matter or account >> of personal bias >> or prejudice >> that I will faithfully >> and impartially >> execute the duties >> of my office >> as a law enforcement officer >> according to the best of my skills >> and my abilities >> and my judgment >> so help me God >> at this time Mr. Jackson Martis, son of Chief Mart, will you please pin the badge? >> Oh, I already have it on there. [laughter] I'm miked up, too, y'all. It's hard to hold your hand up and not shake. We're going to redo it. There we go. >> There was only one badge. You only saw one badge. >> I know, right? [laughter] >> Good job. >> [applause] [applause] >> I love you. [applause] >> [cheering and applause] >> To God be the glory. To God be the glory. [laughter] [gasps] >> I'm just taking this in y'all cuz the Lord's word never returns void. Before I begin my remarks, I have a very, very special announcement. 20 years ago today, at exactly 2:22 p.m., my life changed forever. I became the mother of the most, mildmannered, thoughtful, kind, respectful, and compassionate human being that I have ever laid my eyes on. There is only one other person in this room under the sound of my voice who has sacrificed just as much, if not even more than I have, for me to achieve this lifelong professional dream. Jackson, thank you for always loving me unconditionally. Thank you for believing in me when I didn't believe in myself. Thank you for looking at me with those judgy eyes [laughter] even when I doubted myself behind closed doors. It was only fitting for me to choose this day, your birthday, to celebrate you as we celebrate this professional accomplishment. So, family, community, colleagues, if you don't mind, please help me wishing my son Jackson Martis a happy 20th birthday. [cheering] >> [applause] >> So good. [applause] >> Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday. >> There you go. Now, [laughter] now that I have fulfilled my duty of embarrassing my son, um before I begin my official remarks, I would also like to take just a moment to tell you about the goodness of my God and all that he has done for me. He saw fit to bless me, to keep me, to guide me, to lead me, and to convict me. Do you have any idea what it feels like to be on to have the favor of the Lord on your side? to have him orchestrate every hill, every valley, every rise, and every fall to work for your good and allowing your redirection to be your protection. [laughter] I thank God every day for yesterday, today, and all that I will face tomorrow. This little girl from Tampa, Florida, Eore City, by way of Fort Me, Florida, stands before you today with a full heart, a heart full of gratitude and love. I'm grateful because I did not have to walk this journey alone. I'm grateful for the seeds that have been planted my entire life. St. Paul amme, St. John Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, New Jerusalem Cathedral, and my home church, Circle City Church, located at 234 Ketarin Road, High Point, North Carolina. zip code 27263. [laughter] My C, my C3 family, they don't play about me, y'all. >> And don't. Pastor Mack, Pastor Leah, thank you for stretching and growing me in my professional relationship, my personal relationship with Jesus Christ. In my quiet hours, your prayers, your guidance, and your covering has kept me, and I'm grateful, and I love you. I love my entire C3 family with all of my heart, [laughter] and y'all show up for me every day, and I appreciate it. Mom, you are my queen, my angel on earth. You are my rock, my protection, my cheerleader, and sometimes my enabler. [laughter] But I'm the baby about 13 kids, so there's that. Your grace, your poise, your strength, and your fire lives inside me. Thank you for being the blue pit, the blueprint and the standard. Daddy, I have finished what you started over 60 years ago. Our family's history consists of nearly a century of combined law enforcement service to the noble profession of law enforcement. You began this legacy as a trailblazer and a giant among men that was reduced to being restricted to only enforcing laws, the laws of the land in black and brown communities. I am keenly aware that this achievement rests on the foundation formed with blood, sweat, and tears for equity and justice. Sam Jr. Sonia Reggie, thank you for leaving your foot pit prints that guide my path. Daddy, I hope you are smiling down from heaven knowing that your baby girl understood the assignment. [applause] to my other parents. Aunt Teresa, [laughter] Aunt Glattis, Uncle Steve, Auntie Sharon High Totower, Miss Rosafolk, Miss Sims, and yes, you too, Bossy Audrey. Thank you to my siblings, my Cayenne sisters, Deck Brown and Sherry, my in-loves, Bennett College, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, North State Law Enforcement Officers Association, Gate City Chapter, Noble, Eastern North Carolina chapter, my training and standards commissioners, and my Greensboro Police Department colleagues. Thank you. >> [applause] >> To the family that chose me, my friends, Tiger's Angels, my mentors, Brian James, professional peers, nonprofit organizations, community leaders, and advocates. Thank you. Greensboro, North Carolina. Thank you for giving me the best years of my life. You will forever remain in my heart. To the Durham City Leadership, City Manager's Office, Durham City Council, thank you for seeing me. Thank you for your vote of confidence in my ability to lead this great organization with honor and integrity. to the community of Durham. You have welcomed me with open arms. I truly believe that the Lord has prepared me for such a time as this. This city, this community, it's vibrant, rich with history, where adversity is met with triumph, struggle is met with strength, and disparity is met with advocacy. The city of Durham, you had me at hello. And I look forward to the partnerships, the collaborations, the fellowship, and digging our heels in to continue the work that truly matters. My philosophy is simple. I will continue to be committed to caring enough, caring enough to show up in the community, disciplined enough to lean into conversations that hold myself and the Durham Police Department accountable, and flexible enough to pivot from practices that are ineffective and inefficient. My m my main priorities will be to reduce violent crime, nurturing community trust internally and externally and building upon the amazing progress that we have made with recruiting and retention. To my DPD family, you are among the best and the brightest that this profession has to offer. Yes. I am fortunate to stand before you and represent this agency. I will lead by example while providing you with the support you need to fulfill the promises to this great city and its residents. How we show up for ourselves matters. How we show up for each other matters. and how we show up for the community absolutely matters. In closing, will all members of the Durham Police Department stand and remain standing? That's y'all. Come on. Thank you. Remain [applause] standing please and let's hold your hold our applause as a method to my madness. Just one second. Will all members of law of the law enforcement profession please stand and remain standing? Applause. Will members of the city of Durham stand and remain standing? Will all community members and partners stand and remain standing? And everybody else, if you're able to stand, please stand. As we stand in solidarity today, let us commit to putting the people first. Let us commit to being relentless at pursuing the goal of improving the quality of life for every resident in this great city. As we continue to stand, we will honor the lives that have been lost in the city of Durham while I read their names aloud. Bion Curry, age 40. Iris Jeffrey, age 30. Abiel Alvarez Eliesa, age 38. Jeremiah Bell, age 20. Shaka Dixon, age 27. Tvaris Joner, age 47. Jaheim Bostic, age 24. 3year-old male 17year-old male Mohamad Osama Ryan Allah Chesley Lions 51 Tevin Bernie 24 Jared Goffrey 26 Howard M Reed 24 Linda Keenan 51 Gary Theington Jr. 34 Jaylen Perry 26 Cameron Parker 21 Jamari Imar Sharp 21 Desana Williams 23 James Beverly Jr. 48, Hugo Reyes Gasca, 46, and Victoria James, 43. As I step into this role as Durham's 17th Chief of Police, the celebration is officially over and it's time to get to work. Thank you. [applause] Mayor Leonardo Williams is not able to be in attendance, but in his absence, I've been given permission to read his remarks. Dear Chief Martis, it is my great honor on behalf of the city of Durham to welcome you as the next chief of the Durham Police Department. Your appointment represents more than the beginning of a new chapter in your career. It represents an opportunity to build upon the important work already underway and to help shape the future of public safety in our city. We are truly delighted to have you here and look forward to the leadership, perspective, and dedication you bring to Durham. The work of policing is ultimately about people. It's about protecting our residents, supporting our officers, strengthening trust, and ensuring that every person who calls Durham home feels seen, heard, and safe. I am confident that you understand the weight of that responsibility and the importance of leading with both strength and compassion. As mayor, I look forward to working alongside you to advance a vision for DPD that embraces excellence, accountability, innovation, and meaningful community partnerships. Together, we have an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between our department and the people it serves while investing in a department prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. Chief Martis, today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for you and for the Durham Police Department. I am excited about what we will accomplish together and most importantly about the future we will help create for the people of Durham. Welcome to Durham. Welcome to the Durham Police Department. We are proud to have you here. Sincerely, Leonardo Williams, Mayor, City of Durham. Chief Martis, congratulations. We appreciate your eloquent remarks, which demonstrates your dedication to the success of the Durham Police Department. We are inspired by your vision and look forward to witnessing the lasting impact you will make in the Bull City. The Durham community is truly blessed and fortunate to have you serve as their 17th Chief of Police. It has been my honor to preside over this most auspicious occasion. As we prepare to conclude today's swearing in ceremony on behalf of the Durham Police Department, the city of Durham, and its elected body, thank you for being in attendance and showing your support of Chief Stephanie Martis. To the members of law enforcement, thank you for all you do each and every day to keep our communities safe. If you are able, please stand for the benediction delivered by Pastor Leah Hill McNair. Let us pray. Gracious and eternal God, as we bring this historic moment to a close, Father, we simply ask you not only to bless what has happened in this room, but we ask you to bless what will begin because of what happened in this room. And so, Father, today we thank you for what we have witnessed. We've witnessed the accepting of an assignment, the carrying of responsibility, and the beginning of a new chapter of Chief Stephanie Martis. God, we thank you today because as she steps forward, you go before her. God, we thank you that you will protect her and protect those that serve along with her. Father, give them wisdom, give them restraint, give them courage and compassion. Bless the leaders of this great city and remind them that the strength and the safety of our community does not rest on the shoulders of one chief, one department or one institution, but the government is upon your shoulders. And today, Lord, we thank you for it. And we ask you now in the name of Jesus that you would go before us, that you would lead us, that you would guide us, stand behind us, stand before us and protect us. And as we leave this place, but never from your presence, go with us and stand by us. We pray now that our faith shall lead us and our courage will work with us and before us. In the name of the Almighty God, our Jesus, our Lord, our Savior, we pray this prayer. Amen. Amen. And amen. >> That concludes our program. Thank you for attending. If you've been admiring the floral arrangements on stage, please feel free to take one home or two. I don't know about the ones right here, [laughter] but definitely the ones up front. Have a good day.