Chief Deputy Laurie Watson began her law enforcement career in 2000 with the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office as a sworn Deputy Sheriff. In September 2001, she joined the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office as a full-time Patrol Deputy. In December 2002, she was promoted to Detective and assigned to the Sex Crimes Unit.

She remained in the Detective Division until October 2008, when she was promoted to Corporal in the Uniform Patrol Division. Between 2008 and 2012, she advanced through the ranks, ultimately achieving the rank of Captain. In 2012, she was assigned as Captain over Uniform Patrol and the Criminal Investigative Unit. In 2015, she assumed command of the Criminal Investigative Unit and the Vice/Narcotics Unit.

Watson was promoted to Major in 2016, becoming the first female to serve in that rank within the agency and establishing herself as a pioneer in advancing women in law enforcement. She is a graduate of the Department of Homeland Security Leadership Academy, Class of 2018. During her tenure as Major, she served in every division within the agency except the Detention Center.

In March 2021, Sheriff Ingram promoted Watson to Lieutenant Colonel. In June 2023, Sheriff Chism promoted her to Chief Deputy.

Chief Deputy Watson is a highly dedicated and essential member of the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office. She currently oversees the day-to-day operations of the agency, including Front Office Administration/Records, Finance, Information Technology, 911 Communications, Animal Protective Services, Accreditation, the I.M.P.A.C.T. and Recruiting Team, Training Division, Uniform & Equipment Division, Military LESO Program, Professional Standards Unit, Chaplain Unit, and the Volunteer Program.

Chief Deputy Brian Sanders began his law enforcement career as a Detention Officer with the Brunswick County Detention Center in October of 1989. He was quickly assigned to the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division in January of 1990. While serving as a patrol deputy, and after demonstrating his talent for leadership, Chief Sanders began working his way through the ranks. In December of 1994 he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and in July of 2000, was promoted to First Sergent, both within the Patrol Division. In May of 2006, Chief Sanders was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant overseeing the entire Uniform Patrol Division, which included School Resource Officers. In June of 2008, he was again promoted – this time to the rank of Captain, adding the Brunswick County Detention Center to his supervisor responsibilities. Again, after demonstrating his strong leadership skills and serving with the upmost integrity, Chief Sanders was promoted to the rank of Major in June of 2013, then promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in June of 2019 – overseeing all divisions within the Sheriff’s Office. Chief Sanders was the first individual in Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office history to achieve the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Finally, in 2019, after 31 years of dedicated service, Chief Sanders retired from the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office. Because of his love and passion for the Sheriff’s Office and the Brunswick County Community, he chose to remain with the agency as a part-time deputy.

In July of 2023, under the command of newly appointed Sheriff Brian Chism, Chief Sanders re-joined the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office team as his Chief Deputy. In this role, Chief Sanders is responsible for numerous divisions including Vice and Narcotics, Investigations, Patrol, Animal Protective Services, School Resource Officers, the Detention Center, Traffic Unit, Bailiffs, Civil and Warrants, and Reserve Deputy divisions. Chief Sanders is extremely involved in each of his divisions and strives to create the most positive working environment possible, focusing on staff morale and camaraderie.

Chief Sanders is a Brunswick County native, born and raised in the community of Northwest. He is a graduate of North Brunswick High School and Cape Fear Community College where he earned his Associates Degree in Criminal Justice. Chief Sanders resides in Leland with his wife Trecie and is the father of three.