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Bertie Sheriff resigns
Published Thursday, February 4, 2010
WINDSOR – Bertie County Sheriff Greg Atkins has submitted his letter of resignation.
The 11-year incumbent sheriff will step down from his post at 2 p.m. Friday in an attempt to rectify a situation that has been brought about by the Hatch Act, a law which stops federal employees and those benefitting from federal grants from seeking election.
“My original intention was not to run in the upcoming election, but I was going to fulfill my term,” Sheriff Atkins said. “I was going to support (Chief Deputy) John (Holley) when he ran for sheriff.”
Holley was not able to seek the sheriff’s post, however, due to a ruling on the Hatch Act that would bar him from seeking office because of a federal grant received by the sheriff’s office. The grant would keep anyone in a supervisory role, such as Chief Deputy, from seeking office except the sheriff.
“Because of this legal issue, the only practical way for him to run was for me to step aside,” Sheriff Atkins said. “John and I work together closely and have for 20 years. We’re both heading toward the end of our career and he wants to retire as sheriff and I certainly understand that.”
Sheriff Atkins said the only way for Holley to be able to do that was to be the sheriff at filing time, which opens Monday. For that reason, Atkins decided to resign his post and ask the Bertie County Commissioners to appoint Holley in his stead.
“I have resigned as of Friday and asked the commissioners to appoint him so he could run,” Sheriff Atkins said. “Obviously, it is up to them, but I’m confident they’ll do that.”
Sheriff Atkins began his career with the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office in 1987 and served as a deputy for just over a decade before running for Sheriff in 1998. He was elected to three consecutive terms after winning the initial race.
Upon becoming Bertie County Sheriff, Atkins immediately appointed Holley to serve as his Chief Deputy.
“We’ve worked closely together as patrol deputies and then as sheriff and chief deputy for over 20 years,” Atkins said. “I absolutely think he’ll make a good sheriff.”
Sheriff Atkins said he had enjoyed his three terms in office and was glad he had the opportunity to serve the people of Bertie County.
“It’s been a pleasure to serve,” Sheriff Atkins said. “It’s been an honor and a privilege.”
Two sheriffs in neighboring counties said they would miss working with Atkins because he has done such a good job for the county.
“Sheriff Atkins has been an exceptional sheriff for Bertie County,” said Northampton County Sheriff Wardie Vincent. “I’ve worked closely with him on many cases and I couldn’t have asked for a better neighboring sheriff than Greg Atkins.
“He has shared his resources and manpower on many occasions,” Sheriff Vincent added. “I was hoping he would continue on, but I certainly respect his decision.”
Hertford County Sheriff Juan Vaughan agreed.
“Sheriff Atkins has been great to work with over the years,” Sheriff Vaughan said. “Whenever I’ve called and needed his help, he has always been there to assist me.
“I appreciate all his hard work and his dedication to the people of his home county,” Sheriff Vaughan added. “He has been a pleasure to work with.”
While he still has another day on the job, Sheriff Atkins made it clear he is not leaving law enforcement and is not ready to retire.
“I’ve got some plans,” he said. “I don’t think right now is the time to talk about them, but I’m not retiring yet.”
No matter what the future holds, Sheriff Atkins made it clear he is glad he spent 11 years as Bertie County’s top law enforcement officer.
“The reason I originally ran is because I could do things to help people as sheriff that I couldn’t do before,” he said. “I believe I have done that and it is something I have thoroughly enjoyed.”
The Bertie County Commissioners will meet at 2 p.m. on Friday to discuss the sheriff’s resignation and make an appointment to fill the remainder of the term which expires in December.
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Comments
Posted by joenomoe (anonymous) on February 4, 2010 at 12:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Where's the part about whose going to take the Chief Deputies job? Looks like it may be a switch of jobs. What changes for the county?
Posted by NSupport (anonymous) on February 4, 2010 at 4:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Congratulations to Chief John Holley. It is well deserved and I pray the best for you as always!
Posted by wbedade (anonymous) on February 4, 2010 at 5:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
HAIL TO THE CHIEF, REMEMBER ME, CONGRADS!!!!!!!!
Posted by CitizenX (anonymous) on February 4, 2010 at 7:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Please tell me this isn't the best Bertie County has to look forward to? What a shame. Please pray for us.
Posted by the_popo (anonymous) on February 4, 2010 at 9:24 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by just_thinking (anonymous) on February 5, 2010 at 12:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Popo, do you happen to know the date of the article about the high turnover rate for the Bertie County Sheriff's department? I would love to read that article.
Posted by CitizenX (anonymous) on February 5, 2010 at 12:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
John Holley might not be the only person running for sheriff, lets not forget that. Anyone wishing to run for office has until the end of February to file. Hopefully someone with a true passion for the profession will step up and run. Lord knows this county has been neglected for years by the sheriff's department. I just pray that somebody that is aggressive will run and win, then get these drugs off the streets. The drug problem here is beyond severe, it is down right laughable now.
Posted by 27910 (anonymous) on February 5, 2010 at 3:13 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by steelerfan (anonymous) on February 5, 2010 at 6:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Don`t be fooled by this bait and hook game that the Sheriff office is playing. All you will be getting is the same thing with John Holley in office,this is truly and sad day for Bertie County. These two have destroyed this once great office and if John run this office it will no doubt get even worse.There is someone at the Windsor police Dept. who we would love to see run for this job.
Posted by chillinincolerain (anonymous) on February 5, 2010 at 10:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
There are a LOT of people who we want to see run for the job!! However, the issue becomes if any of them are willing or able to do it? This county is in a tail spin as far as crime and drugs go, and its gonna take a lot of hard work, long hours, and dedication to bring it back! I believe the Deputies here are up for the job, but finding a leader to bring them into "battle" is the major concern! It will not just happen overnight. I look forward to seeing what John Holley has to offer to the county. He deserves a shot just like anyone else who is willing to step up to the plate and dig in. Let's not forget he has worked "at the will" of Sheriff Atkins for several years, so probably had to go along with a lot in order to keep his job!
Posted by the_popo (anonymous) on February 5, 2010 at 6:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Umm, apparently someone took offense of my post so I will proceed with caution..
That being said, the people in Bertie County should really consider finding someone willing and able to run for the Sheriffs Position if they want to see any change for the better, because things are certainly going to get worse!
As for the article about losing positions, here it is.
http://www.roanoke-chowannewsherald.com/...
Another thing I said, and still stand by... The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. If I lived in Bertie County I would be hunting for anyone and everyone that WANTS to see some positive change within the department.
Posted by steelerfan (anonymous) on February 5, 2010 at 9:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To chillinincolerain-the chief deputy`s job is to run the department. The Sheriff is only a figure head. John was not just "going along with orders" to keep his job, his position gave him authority to call the shots. But whenever it came to making a decision in a tight situation, John would say that his hands were tied. Trust me that there are MANY former Deputies that can attest to this fact.
Posted by hertfordcopopo (anonymous) on February 9, 2010 at 10:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
im writing this in response to all the comments about the newly appointed sheriff in bertie county....im just glad that i live in hertford county under sheriff vaughan's watch. i just cant help but feel like the citizens of bertie county have been hoodwinked by there local leaders...this like many other things will eventually come back and bite them..
Posted by goldenone (anonymous) on February 11, 2010 at 10:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am a bit concerned with the "strategery" used to circumvent the law. The PEOPLE elected Sheriff Atkins to fill and finish his term. Not the Good ole boys system of elected officials in power setting their buddies up to take over. How about Chief Deputy John Holley resigning or stepping down in order to then lawfully run for position. John Holley may well be elected to the position anyway, but maybe not. Then the taxpayer will pay for 3 folks to retire as Sherriff, even if Chief Deputy Holley only runs out Sheriff Atkins term.
Posted by NSupport (anonymous) on February 23, 2010 at 12:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I have read so many comments regarding this situation and truth be told nobody is really saying anything to cause this man NOT to get MY vote! Say he's a liar and say he's incompetent (if you can) but don't talk about what you don't know about. Until somebody can give me a reason to go another way? I'm solid with my decision. Here is a man who spent 28 years with the Sheriff's Dept., has experience and knows the people and yet some of you will never be satisfied. You don't stay in a position that long and not be in good standing. I wish John Holley the best! You know what you are and nobody can change that. Politics is what it is....but you keep the faith and the focus. Do the work let God do the rest.....With all the love I can gather....NSupport
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