Former sheriff’s office captain Bayne joins town police department

TRYON — The Tryon Police force has a new — but familiar — face, as former sheriff’s office Capt. B.J. Bayne has been hired by the town.

Bayne started employment with the town on Tuesday as a captain and second in command to Police Chief Jeff Arrowood.

Bayne ran for Polk County Sheriff this year and lost to Tim Wright, who worked for the Tryon Police Department for 24 years.

Tryon Town Manager Zach Ollis said Bayne has an amazing resume and a ton of experience, and he thinks she will bring a lot to the department.

“I think she’s going to be a great fit for the community,” Ollis said. “She brings a lot of investigative experience. She really does bring things that we are excited to have. I think she is going to work really well with the citizens. We are really excited.”

Arrowood said Bayne’s responsibilities will include overseeing patrol and the investigations of the department. She will also provide administrative and budgetary support to the chief.

“BJ’s experience includes a broad area of expertise that will benefit the police department and the citizens of the town of Tryon,” Arrowood said. “We are looking forward to having her come on board and continue our mission in providing great police service to our citizens.”

Ollis said Bayne has a good personality, is a “jack of all trades” and will be the perfect fit to talk to people in town.

Bayne worked for the sheriff’s office for 11 years, resigning recently as captain, and also served as the assistant police chief for the University of North Carolina in Asheville.

She has been a reserve officer for the Tryon Police Department since 2006.

Bayne said she is extremely excited at the opportunity to join the Tryon Police Department in this role.

“I look forward to serving and building relationships with the Tryon community,” Bayne said. “It will allow me to further my training and experience to both build and meet the needs of the citizens and the department.”