MADISON, Wis. — Madison Assistant Police Chief John Patterson will take over as interim chief after current Chief Shon Barnes exits on Feb. 1, the Madison Police and Fire Commission decided unanimously on Monday.

“I looked forward and am humbled by this next chapter in my service,” Patterson said briefly following the vote.

What You Need To Know

  • Madison Assistant Police Chief John Patterson will take over as interim chief after current Chief Shon Barnes exits on Feb. 1

  • Patterson’s current role involves support and community outreach, where he oversees the honor guard, the mental health unit and SWAT team

  • In December, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell announced Barnes would be the new Chief of the Seattle Police Department

  • In addition to serving in his current role for about six years, Patterson has also been captain, lieutenant and sergeant for the Madison Police Department. In total, he’s spent over 26 years with the department

Patterson’s current role involves support and community outreach, where he oversees the honor guard, the mental health unit and SWAT team. He’s held that position since 2019, according to Patterson’s LinkedIn.

He’ll now take over for Barnes while the PFC searches for a permanent replacement.

Barnes has been the Madison Police chief since 2021, but has been a police officer for 24 years.

He most recently helped oversee the investigation into the Abundant Life Christian School shooting, which has garnered national attention; on Dec. 16, a 15-year-old female student killed another teenage student and a teacher at the private Christian school in Madison. The shooter also died. Another six people were taken to the hospital with injuries ranging from “minor” to “life-threatening,” according to police.

In December, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell announced Barnes would be the new Chief of the Seattle Police Department after a nationwide search. He touted several of Barnes’ 2024 accomplishments, including “a 67% decrease in homicides, a 40% decrease in auto thefts” and more.

“I am truly honored to accept this position and thank Mayor Harrell for his trust and confidence. The mayor and I share a vision that crime prevention and community safety is a shared responsibility and that every community member plays a role in keeping Seattle safe,” Barnes said at the time.

Now, Patterson will take over for the time being. But Patterson is no stranger to Madison. In addition to serving in his current role for about six years, he’s also been captain, lieutenant and sergeant for the Madison Police Department. In total, he’s spent over 26 years with the department, his LinkedIn page indicates. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

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