The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has promoted Matthew Long to captain for District 3, where he will manage and supervise enforcement operations for hunting, inland fishing and boating, and coordinate boating safety and hunter education programs.

He will supervise a jurisdiction that includes Wake, Johnston, Wayne, Franklin, Nash, Wilson, Edgecombe, Vance, Warren, Halifax and Northampton counties. His predecessor, John Reams, recently retired. Long was previously a lieutenant in District 4 in southeastern North Carolina.

“This area is rich in wildlife resources and outdoor recreational opportunities,” Long said. “My goals are to build on our conservation efforts and to provide our citizens the safe opportunity to enjoy the woods, fields and waterways of the area. I look forward to working with agency staff and the citizens of District 3 to accomplish these goals.”

A 22-year veteran with the Division of Enforcement, Long is the first Wildlife Commission officer to graduate from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va. He also is a graduate of the Management Development Program from the N.C. Justice Academy.

Long began his career stationed in Sampson County in 1991. He has been stationed in Columbus County in District 4 for the past six years.

“There are so many outdoor activities to enjoy in District 3,” said Col. Dale Caveny, chief of law enforcement for the Commission. “It is a diverse landscape of urban, suburban and rural, with a variety of hunting, fishing, boating and nature activities nearby.

“I am steadfast in my confidence in the wildlife officers in the region and their new leader. Capt. Long has extensive training and experience in public safety and conservation, and is energetic and capable.”