Roanoke Rapids Police Defend New Officer as viral Facebook backlash explodes over his appearance
ROANOKE RAPIDS, N.C. — A newly hired officer with the Roanoke Rapids Police Department is catching major heat online after the department introduced him on Facebook — not over his record or training, but over his appearance.
Officer Brandon Holcomb was officially welcomed by the department earlier this week, and the post quickly went viral for all the wrong reasons. More than 8,000 comments flooded the page, with users cracking jokes, questioning whether he’s “too slim” to be a cop, and some even making claims about how he might respond in a physical confrontation.
Despite the noise, the department stood by its new hire.
According to RRPD, Holcomb is a recent graduate of the 79th Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) class at Nash Community College, a program that requires rigorous physical, academic, and tactical standards before certification.
After the comments began piling up, Police Chief Lawrence Wiggins issued a firm statement defending the young officer and calling out the online ridicule.
Chief Wiggins described Holcomb’s hiring as “a proud moment in the life of a young man who has overcome countless personal obstacles to earn that moment.” While the chief did not go into detail about those obstacles, he emphasized that he has personally observed Holcomb’s resilience and professionalism.
“I have personally observed Officer Holcomb and his ability to deal with adversity and uncertainty,” Wiggins said.
“This achievement is a celebration of a young man from Roanoke Rapids stepping up to serve in the community where he was raised.”
The chief added that he has “full faith and confidence” in Holcomb’s ability to learn, adapt, problem-solve, and build a successful career with RRPD — regardless of social media chatter.
For now, RRPD appears unmoved by the backlash and focused on backing its officer.
READ THE FULL STATEMENT FROM CHIEF WIGGINS BELOW:
5 thoughts on “Roanoke Rapids Police Defend New Officer After Social Media Backlash”
Officer I weighed 119 lbs when I worked for the Police Dept. I could run faster n handle any situation that came up. I went on to gain to 128 lbs at 5’9 and started my own bonding company. That has been 29 yrs ago and I’m now 75 and still am a small weight for my height. Continue doing your job and show them that lean and mean gets the job done
Really ?
The public has a right to question the ever lowering standards of it’s public officials.
People vested with the right o utilize lethal force on citizens need to meet minimum standards, even if you don’t like it.
When they need help they’ll eat those words when he’s the officer on duty that saves their lives. People are too bold these days behind screens and keyboards. Young man I pray for your well being and safety. I pray that you love this job and will be able to continuously make sound judgment and decisions. Don’t allow the naysayers to disturb your peace nor your job.
Congratulations officer, let the jokes be on them when they come to your town and break the law and you handle business! I’m sorry people are so disrespectful and that this was even an issue to address. Kudos to the chief for his words and support….
People are so quick to shame others, for this little blue app , when you dont have a clue about what lead him to where he is in his career. Get to know a person before passing on judgement. Stop trying to judge people , the ones judging always be the ones hiding behind there mask and in return trying to ridicule and shame the next person. Hurt people hurt people.. Do you think God is not pleased with the way ADULTS carry themselves and act worse than toddlers. Be supportive thats all he needs and then again you are not the judge and definitely not signing his paycheck. Keep striving for greatness 👮♀️.