By Randall Rigsbee
Pittsboro, NC – Sheriff Mike Roberson officially concluded his service as Sheriff of Chatham County on Wednesday, July 15, retiring after nearly four decades dedicated to protecting and serving the citizens of Chatham County and the State of North Carolina.
Roberson’s retirement was celebrated during a ceremony at Northwood High School, attended by family, friends, current and former colleagues, elected officials, current and former sheriffs from across North Carolina, community leaders, and residents whose lives he touched throughout his career. The venue held special significance, as Northwood is where Sheriff Roberson and his wife, Annette, graduated and where he was first sworn in as sheriff in 2016, making the occasion a fitting full-circle moment.
A lifelong resident of Chatham County, Roberson began his public service career as an emergency medical technician before serving as a paramedic, firefighter, police officer, detention administrator, instructor, chief deputy, and ultimately sheriff. He was unanimously appointed sheriff by the Chatham County Board of Commissioners in 2016 and was subsequently elected to full terms in 2018 and 2022.
Throughout his career, Roberson was supported by his wife, Annette, his high school sweetheart, and their family. Together, they raised two children, Cory and Caroline, while sharing the demands and sacrifices that accompany a career in public service. They are proud grandparents to Liam and Oliver. On Oct. 25, the Robersons will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary.
During his career, Roberson became known for emphasizing integrity, professionalism, community partnerships, and developing future leaders. Under his leadership, the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office strengthened its training and professional standards, expanded community engagement efforts, and earned accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), ensuring the agency would continue operating at the highest professional standards for years to come.
His leadership also extended well beyond Chatham County. Roberson served as President of the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association in 2024 and Chairman in 2025, represented sheriffs on numerous statewide committees, and was selected to the fifth cohort of the North Carolina Hunt State Policy Fellows. Throughout his career, he received numerous honors recognizing his leadership, humanitarian service, and commitment to law enforcement, including the 2020 Special Olympics North Carolina Sheriff of the Year Award and the Humane Society of the United States Humane Law Enforcement Award.
During the ceremony, Assistant Superintendent of Chatham County Schools Chris Blice described Roberson as “a textbook example of a servant leader.”
“A servant leader puts himself last. He puts the people that he works with and the people that he serves ahead of himself 24/7. That is exactly what Sheriff Roberson has been for us. He’s been a leader here and he’s been a leader on the state level. He has made a difference in everything he’s done and for the right reasons.”
Guest speaker Rev. Dr. Anthony J. Davis, president of Livingstone College, also reflected on Roberson’s impact on the community.
“Your service has not only safeguarded our streets but has also fostered a sense of security and belonging among all residents regardless of their race or socio-economic status. You’ve been selfless and it shines through in every action you’ve taken, reminding us that a leader is defined not just by their position but by their heart and dedication to the individuals that they’ve been called to lead and serve.”
Looking ahead to the future of the Sheriff’s Office, Chief Deputy Steve Maynor credited Roberson with preparing the agency’s next generation of leaders.
“Your example has made a difference,” said Chief Deputy Maynor. “The way you led, the way you handled difficult moments, the way you care about the office and the community has helped prepare many of us for the responsibilities ahead. You have helped move the Sheriff’s Office to another level and you have prepared this leadership team to move forward with professionalism.”
During the ceremony, Madison Kilgore, Director of the Central Office for North Carolina Governor Josh Stein, presented Roberson with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina’s highest civilian honor. Established in 1963, the award recognizes individuals whose service and character have gone above and beyond for their communities. Past recipients include Rev. Billy Graham, Michael Jordan, and Andy Griffith.
“Sheriff Roberson’s dedication to not only Chatham County but to the state as a whole is a true reflection of his character,” Kilgore said.
Roberson was also presented with his service badge and service weapon in recognition of his distinguished career.
Reflecting on his own career, Roberson told those in attendance that while the positions he held changed over the years, his purpose never did.
“Serving this community has truly been one of the greatest honors of my life. I’ve been a paramedic, a police officer, a firefighter, a jail administrator, I’ve worked for Emergency Management and Operations, I’ve been a chief deputy and I have been sheriff. And though the uniforms changed, the mission never did. The mission has always been to help people, to do the right thing, and to leave it better than you found it.”
He also thanked the citizens of Chatham County for their confidence throughout his years of service.
“To the citizens of Chatham County, thank you for putting your trust in me. The only real power of this badge is the public’s trust. … And there’s no greater honor than to serve in the place you call home.”
Although retiring as sheriff, Roberson’s commitment to public service will continue. Next week, he will begin serving as the District 3 representative on the Chatham County Board of Commissioners.
The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office expresses its sincere appreciation to Sheriff Roberson for his decades of leadership, integrity, and commitment to the people of Chatham County and wishes him the very best as he begins this next chapter of public service on the Chatham County Board of Commissioners.