The Gastonia Police Department has announced four staff promotions for assistant police chief, captain, and two sergeants. “It is a pleasure to promote these persons within our ranks,” said GPD Chief Travis Brittain. “Their dedication to the Gastonia Police Department’s mission will help us extend our reach to the communities we serve.”
Capt. Trent Conard has been promoted to Assistant Police Chief. He joined the GPD in 1996 and brings 27 years of experience to his new position. His service with the GPD includes being Commander of the Criminal Investigations Division, Commander of the Special Situations Unit which includes SWAT, Bomb Squad, Crisis Negotiators, Mobile Field Force, and the Mobile Command. He was responsible for creating and implementing the Police Training Officer training program for the GPD in 2005. Since the program was implemented over 170 officers have been trained in the improved program. He received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Montreat College and is a North Carolina certified instructor and nationally certified Problem Based Learning instructor. Conard is one of two Assistant Police Chiefs employed by the Department.
Sgt. Aaron Wurster has been promoted to Captain. He joined the GPD in 1999 and brings 23 years of law enforcement experience to his new position. While serving as Traffic Sergeant his notable accomplishments include Traffic Crash Reconstruction, Pedestrian Traffic Crash Reconstruction, and attending the Basic Police Motorcycle Operator Course with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. He also served as GPD’s Specialized Driving Instructor (April 2008). Wurster received a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Wilkes University. He also received the Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate from the State of North Carolina.
Community Coordinator Officer Brian DiYorio joined the GPD in 2014 and has been promoted to Sergeant. His service with the GPD includes being a Police Training Officer, Negotiator, Recruiting Team member, Community Coordinator, and Gang Intelligence Liaison officer. He received an associate degree from Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College and a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Appalachian State University. He also received NC’s Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate.
Detective Andrew Pate has been promoted to Sergeant. He joined the GPD in 2011 and has served in the Air Force and currently serves in the North Carolina Air National Guard. His service with the GPD includes: Night and day shift patrol, PTO, Detective, SWAT and Honor Guard. Pate received a bachelor’s degree from Columbia Southern University. He also received NC’s Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate.
The GPD has 178 sworn officers and 24 civilian staff.
