Arizona and America have their “Sheriff Joe,” former tough Sheriff Joe Arpaio.
Long before that, Alabama and Madison County had our own “Sheriff Joe.”
Sheriff Joe W. Patterson served as Sheriff of Madison County for four consecutive terms, starting in 1978. He has died at age 96 after a battle with cancer.
Patterson had a long career in law enforcement, serving in the Huntsville Police Department before becoming sheriff. He rose through the ranks to become an administrative sergeant and an investigative sergeant. He was a graduate of the FBI Academy.
Patterson served as administrative assistant to Huntsville Mayor Joe Davis.
His contributions were recognized through his leadership roles, including serving as president of the Alabama Sheriffs Association, his induction into the Alabama Law Enforcement Hall of Fame, and his selfless work for the Sheriff’s Ranch and service to troubled youths.
Sheriff Joe Patterson’s legacy has lived long after his retirement and will continue long after his death.
On April 17, Patterson’s 96th birthday, an impressive array of law enforcement and first responders joined together to honor their long-ago, long-time colleague:
Members of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office joined with public safety partners from the Huntsville Police Department, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Huntsville Fire and Rescue, Huntsville-Madison County Rescue Squad, Inc., Meridianville Volunteer Fire Department, and Moores Mill Vol. Fire Rescue to wish retired Madison County Sheriff Joe W. Patterson a very Happy 96th Birthday!
Sheriff Patterson’s legacy of leadership and service continues to inspire generations of first responders across our county. We hope he had a wonderful day celebrating such an incredible milestone surrounded by family, friends, and fellow public servants.
Just this month, a resolution was passed in the Alabama Legislature honoring Sheriff Joe Patterson's service.
Madison County Probate Judge Frank Barger made this post on social media:
Arrangements will be announced.
Jim ‘Zig’ Zeigler’s beat is the colorful and positive about Alabama -- her people, places, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at [email protected].
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