A Robeson County native whose life has been spent helping others has joined the Smithfield Police Department.
Joseph Atkinson was born and raised in Lumberton. At the age of 16 he became a junior member of Lumberton EMS. He continued as a volunteer with both the East Howellsville Fire Department and Northwoods Fire Rescue for the next 10 years.
Atkinson graduated from Basic Law Enforcement Training in 2009 from Robeson Community College. Afterwards, he began work as a Detention Officer and Deputy Sheriff with the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, a position he held until December 2014. He accepted as job as patrol officer with the Whiteville Police Department. He then joined the Smithfield Police Department.
“We are glad to be able to add to our department an officer with experience and a background helping others,” Police Chief Keith Powell told WTSB News.
Atkinson received his Oath of Office on May 2nd from Smithfield Mayor Pro Tem Emery Ashley.
