Chris Lee has been formally appointed as the new Colonel of the North Carolina Marine Patrol, becoming the top law enforcement officer at the Division of Marine Fisheries. The pinning ceremony took place at the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries headquarters in Morehead City.
Lee, who has served with the Marine Patrol for 18 years and was most recently Captain of District 1, was pinned by his father during the ceremony. The event marks a significant milestone in his career advancement.
As Colonel, Lee will oversee more than 64 staff members, including 57 officers and six dispatchers. He will direct law enforcement operations across over 2.7 million acres of ocean and coastal fishing waters spanning 21 eastern counties.
“The N.C. Marine Patrol plays a vital role by enforcing fishing regulations and providing water, air and ground support to other DEQ divisions, including during emergencies,” said DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson. “Colonel Lee will do an outstanding job because of his tremendous experience, vision, and commitment to the Marine Patrol’s mission.”
Lee assumed leadership on January 1 following the retirement of Col. Carter Witten on December 31, 2025.
He brings substantial experience in rescue operations to his new position. One key achievement is helping form and lead the Marine Patrol’s Swiftwater Rescue Team. “That’s been one of the most rewarding things of my career,” Lee said. “The relationships we have made across the state have done wonders for us as an agency, and we are providing a better service to the citizens of North Carolina.”
Lee began building and training this team in late 2019; by 2021 it became North Carolina’s first state law enforcement-certified swiftwater rescue team. He emphasized teamwork: “We were all learning together and trying to make it happen to better serve in times of need,” Lee said.
The team has responded statewide, including deployment among other teams in Western North Carolina during Hurricane Helene flooding in fall 2024.
Marine Patrol officers also assist with hurricane response efforts such as flying DEQ staff for shoreline surveys or supporting business districts after tornadoes.
One focus for Lee as Colonel is enhancing collaboration with North Carolina Emergency Management while maintaining fisheries law enforcement duties.
Originally from Colerain, Lee grew up fishing on local rivers before joining military service with Bravo Company 1/120th Infantry during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. After returning home he completed Basic Law Enforcement Training at Beaufort Community College before joining Edenton Police Department then moving into roles within Marine Patrol starting March 2008.
Lee holds a degree in criminal justice and instructor certifications through N.C.’s Criminal Justice Standards Commission. In 2012 he received recognition as NC Marine Fisheries Enforcement Officer of the Year from the Governor’s Conservation Achievement Awards Program.
“My father instilled in me at a young age to respect the resource,” Lee said. “Law enforcement and enjoying the outdoors have been a major part of my life for as long as I can remember.” He first learned about Marine Patrol when seeing one of its boats while vacationing at Kill Devil Hills as a teenager: “That was the first time I’d ever heard of Marine Patrol,” Lee said. “To me, it sounded like a dream job.”
His family attended his pinning ceremony alongside him.
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) oversees environmental protection across air, land, water, and coastal areas throughout North Carolina via several specialized divisions focused on resource management and public education initiatives that foster stewardship statewide (see official website). The agency issues permits, enforces environmental laws—including those related to fisheries—and provides support services through regional offices serving local communities (source). Formed in its current structure in 2015 after restructuring from its predecessor agency (source), DEQ aims for science-based stewardship promoting health and prosperity for all residents (source).
