A longtime public safety professional recently became Chatham County’s new sheriff.
The Chatham County Board of Commissioners appointed Chief Deputy Mike Roberson to replace retiring Sheriff Richard Webster on May 20. N.C. Secretary of State Elaine Marshall administered the oath of office to Roberson on May 25.
The chief deputy, according to state law, fulfills the duties of the Sheriff’s Office until the commissioners make an appointment. Roberson, a Chatham County native, will serve as sheriff until the next election in November 2018.
Roberson worked as a paramedic and firefighter before moving into law enforcement more than 24 years ago. Roberson has been with the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office for nearly 14 years and was chief deputy for the last three years.
“Our goal is to set an example,” Roberson said in a news release. “No one is perfect, but we always focus on continual improvement. It is part of our vision for a brighter future.”
Webster presented Roberson with the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office flag after the oath, symbolizing the transfer of command.
“Mike Roberson has been an influential leader and trusted member of the Sheriff’s Office family for many years,” Webster said. “We have an amazing law enforcement team, and I am confident that Sheriff Roberson will continue to make positive changes and do great things for Chatham County.”
Webster was honored with The Order of the Long Leaf Pine during the ceremony. Hoke County Sheriff Hubert Peterkin presented the award, conferred by the governor to citizens with a record of service to North Carolina or another special achievement.
Webster was first elected Chatham County’s sheriff in 2002, after also serving with the Pittsboro Police Department, as a reserve officer with UNC Public Safety in Chapel Hill and as a state driver’s license examiner.
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