Aulander swears in new police chief after most of force quits

AULANDER, N.C. (WITN) - A town that lost six police officers and a police chief several weeks ago has hired a new police chief.

Jeremy Roberts was sworn in Wednesday as Aulander’s new chief, which is an opportunity he says was made possible through faith.

“If he didn’t want me (God) to be here, then it would’ve never happened,” Roberts said Wednesday after being sworn in. “It was all God’s plan.”

The ceremony was held at the Aulander Municipal Building.

Roberts is from Ahoskie and worked as a police officer in both Aulander and Ahoskie before retiring. He is coming out of retirement for this new role.

He has also trained with the FBI and the SBI, according to a town spokesperson.

Bertie County Sheriff Tyrone Ruffin has known Roberts since their days working together at the Ahoskie Police Department and feels Aulander is in good hands.

“I know his background and I know what he’s capable of doing,” Ruffin said. “He’s going to do a wonderful job for the citizens of Aulander.”

Aulander was rocked by a double stabbing a couple of weeks ago, leaving some worried. Roberts says his goal is to help erase that.

“They’re concerned and have every right to be concerned,” Roberts said. “The only thing I can do is make sure I do my job and do it right. Hopefully, over time I can alleviate a lot of that concern.”

The Bertie County Sheriff’s Office and the SBI are still searching for the person responsible for the stabbing. Anyone with information is urged to contact authorities.

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