The Union County Sheriff's Office small-town policing unit that patrols Weddington, Marvin and Wesley Chapel just hit a milestone in a neighboring town. Wingate renewed its contract with the unit for a second year, WSOC TV reported Friday, Sept. 18.
The contract unit now has 14 deputies serving five Union County municipalities: Weddington, Wingate, Marvin, Lake Park and Wesley Chapel. Chief Deputy Tony Underwood told the Weddington Town Council in June that a shared sergeant position was added to provide direct supervision across all five towns.
Lt. James Maye, who supervises the unit, said four deputies assigned to Wingate have slowed traffic and reduced crashes on U.S. 74 over the past year. He pointed to a domestic assault call in April as evidence the model works.
"We had four deputies on scene in less than three minutes," Maye said. "I feel confident that their response time helped save her life."
The savings have been significant. Wingate Mayor Gary Hamill told WSOC TV the town has saved more than $100,000 in taxpayer dollars under the contract. Those funds went to new sidewalks and park improvements, he said.
Wingate commissioners disbanded the town's police department about a year ago. WBTV reported in July 2025 that officials cited staffing shortages and rising costs as the driving factors. Residents were divided over the proposal at the time.
The four deputies also patrol Wingate University's campus. A university spokesperson said deputies responded to 160 calls there over the past year, handling everything from parking lot accidents to stolen bike reports. The school's campus safety chief said the partnership has worked well, with deputies maintaining a visible presence and supporting major university events.
The renewed contract covers another year. The Sheriff's Office marked the first-year anniversary on its Facebook page, calling it "an important milestone" for both the agency and the town.
