AULANDER – A former Hertford County law enforcement officer will become Aulander’s “top cop.”

Yesterday (Monday), Aulander Mayor Joe Jernigan announced the hiring of James Michael “Mike” Patterson as Chief of Police for this Bertie County town.

Patterson replaces Jimmy Barmer who has accepted a position as head of security with Duck-Thru Convenience Stores. Jernigan added that Barmer will continue to work as a part-time Aulander police officer.

“We’re excited to have Mr. Patterson join us,” Mayor Jernigan said. “He brings many years of law enforcement knowledge to our town.”

Patterson, a native of Chowan County but spent many years in Hertford County, begins his new job in a few weeks. He currently is a Patrolman with the Roanoke Rapids Police Department.

“This is a big step up in my career,” Patterson said during a Monday morning interview with the Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald. “I’m looking forward to working with the fine people and business owners over in Aulander. I’m also looking forward to getting back closer to home.”

Patterson said his parents, Lee and Carolyn Sumner, still reside in the St. John community and his three-year-old son, Joey, lives with his mother in Murfreesboro.

“Having a chance to get closer to my son was one of the biggest reasons I chose to apply for the Aulander position,” Patterson said.

Patterson, 36, is a 1990 graduate of Edenton Holmes High School. He went on to obtain his Basic Law Enforcement training at Halifax Community College, graduating in 1992.

During his law enforcement career, Patterson was worked with the Plymouth, Williamston, Murfreesboro, Elizabeth City and Roanoke Rapids police departments. He was also employed as a Deputy with the Hertford County Sheriff’s Office.

Mayor Jernigan said Patterson will be sworn-in as Aulander Chief of Police later this month.