AULANDER – The process of finding a new Chief of Police is ongoing in this western Bertie County town.

Aulander Mayor Larry Drew said the town is in the process of taking applications for the post which became vacant after the resignation of Mike Patterson from the job in July.

“We appreciate everything Mike did during his time with us,” Drew said. “He made a decision that would be beneficial to him and his family and I will always support someone doing better for themselves.

“As we move forward, I want us to take our time and make sure we get the right person,” he said. “I don’t have a set timeline because I want us to take our time and do it right.”

Applications are being accepted from now until August 31 and Drew said he hoped to begin the interview process sometime in September. The mayor said the entire town board of commissioners would be part of the process and would serve together as the interview committee.

Drew said he appreciated the service of Patterson and those who had preceded him in that law enforcement position and wanted to continue the excellent service to the citizens of the town.

“It’s sometimes hard to find someone fully qualified to be a police chief with what Aulander can afford,” he said. “That makes it important to take the correct amount of time and meet with the applicants to find the right person.”

In the meantime, the town is being served by three officers who were already part-time public servants for Aulander. Former Chief Jimmy Barmer and Officers Will Liverman and Brian Knowles have been working together to make sure the town has police protection.

“I appreciate the work of our part-time officers in adding to their hours to provide police protection for our citizens,” Drew said. “I am also thankful to Bertie County Sheriff Greg Atkins who has helped us by stepping up patrols in the area while we are without a chief.”