New Public Safety Chief named at Asheville Regional Airport

(Asheville, N.C.)  Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is pleased to announce that Samuel Sales has been named its new Chief of Public Safety.

Chief Sales has been a member of the public safety team at the airport for eight years, beginning as a Public Safety Officer (PSO) after six years as a law enforcement officer with Buncombe County's Sheriff's Office. His leadership abilities in law enforcement and fire fighting were recognized quickly, and Sales was promoted to the department's Captain in 2016.

He has been in the role of Interim Public Safety Chief since January, following the retirement of his predecessor. During these few months, he has led the department with confidence, a collaborative focus, and the utmost professionalism.

Today, April 7, 2021, Sales was officially promoted to Chief of Public Safety at AVL, which is a dual role of both Chief of Police and Fire Chief. The promotion was made during an official ceremony at the airport, during which Chief Sales received both a traditional Chief of Police pin, and a Fire Chief insignia.

"This is a well-deserved promotion. Chief Sales is a leader within our organization and region, and we know that our public safety services at the airport will continue to be excellent under his leadership," said Lew Bleiweis, Executive Director.

The airport's Department of Public Safety provides around-the-clock police services, as well as aircraft rescue and fire fighting and first-response emergency medical technician services for the airport.

Asheville Regional Airport is the fourth largest commercial service airport in North Carolina, and was one of the fastest-growing airports in the country in 2018 and 2019. Served by four airlines (Allegiant, American, Delta and United), AVL offers 22 nonstop destinations and frequent daily connections to and through international hubs. For more information about AVL, visit flyavl.com.

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