Raleigh, NC - The North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association (NCSA) has recognized Representative John Bell (R-Wayne) as a 2023 Defender of Public Safety for the important work done during the 2023 legislative session to protect public safety in North Carolina.

“It is an honor to be recognized for my work to improve the safety of our citizens in North Carolina,” said Representative Bell. “I will always stand in strong support of our law enforcement community and advocate for policies that keep our communities safe and uphold law and order.”

During a session which saw a heavy concentration of law enforcement and public safety related bills, Representative Bell dedicated time and effort during the session promoting for law enforcement issues important to the Association which impact the office of sheriff, local communities and the State.

“Representative Bell has been a valuable partner in the recent legislative session, supporting the legislative priorities of the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association which isa voice for all 100 sheriffs in the State,” said Sheriff Darren Campbell, President of the Association. “As a result, our sheriffs have new tools we can use to protect our communities such as new laws intended to protect our electric power grid, stop dangerous street takeovers by motor vehicle gangs and some which will allow us to better address the growing fentanyl crisis many of us see in our communities. We are better equipped today than we were yesterday to protect the lives, liberties, and property of North Carolina’s citizens.”

Representative Bell’s legislative district is served by: Sheriff Larry Pierce, Wayne County.

During the 2023legislative session, the General Assembly considered hundreds of bills and enacted dozens of laws that had a direct impact on law enforcement and public safety in North Carolina. The 2024 session is expected to begin in April and will likely see many additional law enforcement and public safety related bills.