MINT HILL, NC – John Rowell, Patrol Captain of the A/B rotation for the Mint Hill Police Department, is one of MHPD’s original employees, having served the department since its inception back in 2003 – nearly 28 years of service!  Captain Rowell served with the Cornelius Police Department from 1994-2003 before the unique opportunity existed to have influence on the direction of a brand-new department in Mint Hill.  The town’s desire to have its own police department offered Rowell the unique opportunity to return to his hometown.

John grew up in Mint Hill and graduated from Independence High School in 1986.  Originally, he intended to follow in his father’s footsteps and go in to accounting.  Rowell left for college at Appalachian State University and graduated in 1990 with a BSBA in Accounting.  After completing an internship at a large firm, John realized accounting wasn’t for him; luckily, John found himself friends with many Cornelius police officers who would persuade him to join the force.

Captain Rowell knows he is close to retirement, and is proud he has stuck it out with all the challenges he has faced.  Still, he says he can’t wait to really feel “off” from duty and not subject to being called back for emergencies.  “It’s not all been stress,” John assures. “I am proud to be a part of the influence in fostering good relationships with business and community leaders.”  John plans to eventually retire to the mountains, which aligns with his hobbies of hiking and just enjoying the outdoors. “I have some time left,” he says, “but I will most miss the relationships built over the years working at MHPD.”