Dennis McCrary began his law enforcement career in 1974 as a patrol officer with the Mecklenburg County Police Department in 1974. He progressed through the ranks working in all areas of the Department including Patrol, Investigations, Communications, Personnel and Training, Internal Affairs and Lake Enforcement. At the time of consolidation of the Mecklenburg County Police and the Charlotte Police Department, Dennis was a Captain assigned to Internal Affairs. Later he was promoted to Major. He served in numerous areas within the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department and retired in 2003. Dennis continued to serve as a Major in the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Reserves until 2012. During that time, he also twice served as Interim Chief of Police for the Monroe Police Department.

Dennis was born and raised in Lexington, North Carolina. He graduated from Davidson County Community College with an Associate Degree in Police Science. Later he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Police Administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Dennis is also a graduate of the University of Louisville Southern Police Institute Administrative Officers School

Dennis joined the Charlotte-Mecklenburg FOP Lodge 9 in the mid 70’s and has been very active for many years. He has held numerous offices in Lodge 9 including 4 years as Treasurer and 4 years as Vice-President. Dennis has also held positions as Trustee, Treasurer and Vice-President for the NC State FOP. He has also served on numerous local, state and national FOP committees. Dennis is the FOP National Trustee for North Carolina and is Chairman of the National Disaster Relief Committee.