Dwight E. Pettiford, 68 – United States Park Police Chief, NFL and Collegiate Scout, Football Consultant.

Durham, North Carolina native, Dwight E. Pettiford, passed peacefully Sunday afternoon, May 3, 2020 after an extended illness. He was born to Otis and Cornelia Mozella (Daye) Pettiford on December 20, 1951. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Francis Bullock. He was a 1970 graduate of Northern High School and a 1975 graduate of North Carolina Central University. Inducted in 1992, he was a distinguished member of the University’s Athletic Hall of Fame. He was a graduate of the 200th session of the FBI National Academy, United States Department of Justice in Quantico, Virginia. He had a long and outstanding record of service. A true public servant and first responder, he quickly rose in the ranks of law enforcement. He has been a good friend, coach, mentor, and servant leader to many a fold. He began his law enforcement career with the North Carolina Department of Parks and Recreation; advanced in the department retiring as a Major. After 27 years, he relocated to the Washington D.C. area where he excelled to prominence as Chief of Police with the Department of Interior’s U.S. Park Police, retiring from the Park Service in 2008. He continued to share his love of football throughout his life. He was committed to people excellence. Known for his quick wit, infectious smile, and his kind and compassionate spirit, Dwight was a true renaissance man with a passion for cooking, music, and the arts. His competitive edge and long passion for excellence is exemplified in athleticism and throughout his professional career; traveling throughout the world, as a Football Scout, Observer, Replay Official, Officiant and Consultant. He was actively involved in many professional and civic organizations including membership in the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, the International Association of Chiefs of Police; and he was an FBI Academy Alumni member.

Dwight is survived by his wife of 15 years, Isabelle L. Pettiford of White Plains, MD; daughter Genhi Renee Pettiford of Durham, NC and stepdaughters Leslee Hunter and Angela Carter; Grandchildren: Ayahna Hunter, Kamyra Carter, Donnell James Carter and Denmark Carter all of Waldorf, MD; Nephew Johnny Bullock III (Pam Godet) of Falls Church, VA; Nieces: Cora Bullock of Atlanta, GA and Tracy Bullock (Daryl Jones) Chandler, AZ; his mother’s sister Aunt Emma Gentry of Durham and a host of cousins and other aunts and uncles extended family members and friends. Memorial Services will be held May 7, 2020 at the Briscoe and Tonic Funeral Home located at 2294 Old Washington Road, Waldorf, Maryland and at the Holloway Memorial Funeral Home located at 2502 NC Highway 55, Durham, North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: North Carolina Central University Football Program in Dwight E. Pettiford’s name.

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