The Southern Pines Police Department announced in a press release on Friday that five promotions were made.
Brandon Lugabihl, a 21-year veteran in law enforcement, will be promoted to the rank of captain effective May 18. Lugabihl is responsible for command, control, and oversight of the Administration and Communications Divisions in his new position. Prior to this promotion, Lugabihl served as a Lieutenant in the Patrol Division.
Lugabihl received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. Lugabihl holds his Intermediate and Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate. He is a graduate of the NC State University Administrative Officers Management Program and has completed the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association Executive, Command, and Supervisory Institute.
Lugabihl is a certified General Instructor, Taser Instructor, Rapid Deployment Instructor, Field Training Officer; obtained his Traffic Enforcement and Investigation Certificate from the North Carolina Justice Academy, Criminal Investigation Certificate from the North Carolina Justice Academy and is the commander of the Crisis Negotiations Team.
Jason Embler, a 23-year law enforcement veteran, will be promoted to lieutenant effective May 18. Embler is assigned as a Watch Commander in the Patrol Division.
Embler received his Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management from High Point University. Embler is a Field Training Officer and has been a member of the Special Response Team and served as a K-9 Handler for 18 years. He is currently the supervisor for the K-9 Unit and a Master Trainer for the K-9 Program.
Embler holds his Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate. He has completed the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association Executive and Command Institute.
Over the course of his career, Embler has received several awards and recognitions, including the Investigator Ed Harris Award, five Employee of the Quarter awards, and the Moore County Law Enforcement Officers Association James Wise Officer of the Year Award.
Joell Arnold, a 15-year law enforcement veteran, will be promoted to sergeant effective May 18. Arnold is an experienced Patrol Officer and Criminal Investigator now assigned to the Patrol Division, after most recently working in the Investigation Division investigating criminal cases.
Arnold holds his Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate. He is a member of the Honor Guard.
Richard Berry, a 9-year law enforcement veteran, was promoted to Sergeant in September 2025. Berry is assigned to the Patrol Division. Prior to entering law enforcement, Berry spent 27 years in the military, serving in both the Marine Corps and the Army.
Berry received his Associate’s Degree in Administration of Justice from DeAnza College, his Bachelor’s Degree in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a Master’s Degree in Security Management from Webster University.
Berry is a certified General Instructor, Rapid Deployment Instructor and a Field Training Officer.
Dustin Johnson, a 20-year law enforcement veteran, was promoted to Sergeant in November 2025. Johnson is assigned to the Patrol Division.
Johnson received his Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Richmond Community College, his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology from the University of North Carolina – Pembroke and a Master’s Degree in Business from the University of North Carolina – Pembroke.
Johnson is a certified General Instructor, Physical Fitness Instructor, OC Instructor, CCT Instructor and a Field Training Officer.
Johnson obtained his Tactical Training Certificate from the North Carolina Justice Academy, Leadership Certificate from the North Carolina Justice Academy, Community Policing Certificate from the North Carolina Justice Academy and holds his Intermediate and Advanced Law Enforcement Certificates. Johnson completed the NC State University Law Enforcement Executive Program, North Carolina Justice Academy Leadership Institute.
Photo: Joell Arnold (left), Jason Embler, Richard Berry, Dustin Johnson and Brandon Lugabihl.
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