Deputy Chief Zachary Lechette joined the Raleigh Police Department in 2022, after having served as Chief of Police and Fire Chief for the Town of Landis in Rowan County, N.C.
In addition, he has previous experience working for the City of Gastonia Police Department, the State of North Carolina, and the Jacksonville Police Department. Throughout his career, he has worked various assignments encompassing patrol, traffic, investigations, and administration.
His education includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Fayetteville State University, a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Criminal Justice and Organizational Management from Nova Southeastern University, and a certificate in Criminal Justice Education from the University of Virginia. In addition, he is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and holds numerous instructor certifications.
Deputy Chief Lechette is a member of several professional organizations to include the North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Police Executive Research Forum, the FBI National Academy Associates, the NC Chapter of the FBI National Academy Associates, and the North Carolina Police Executive Association.
Aside from serving his community as a public safety professional, Deputy Chief Lechette served in the North Carolina Army National Guard from 2009-2015, as a member of the 430th Ordnance (EOD) Company.
As Deputy Chief of Operations, he oversees Field Operations and Special Operations Divisions. He is committed to building relationships and ensuring transparency with the community. Previously, he served as the Deputy Chief of Administration, overseeing both the Administrative Services Division and the Office of Professional Standards from November 2022 – January 2025.