MADISON (WKOW) -- The Madison Police Department has its next chief.

At a meeting Wednesday night, the city's Police and Fire Commission selected John Patterson for the role. He is currently the Madison Police Department's interim chief.

Patterson has held the interim title since February of 2025, leading the agency after former Chief Shon Barnes took a job in Seattle.

Patterson is a 27-year veteran of the Madison Police Department. He has served in many roles for the agency, from patrol officer to narcotics investigator, to the assistant chief with oversight of police training and hiring.

“I can’t quite put into words how incredibly humbled I feel right now to be named the next permanent Chief of Police of the Madison Police Department. I love our community and this police department

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