From the Office of Sen. Bill Cook

RALEIGH — Ernie Coleman, sheriff of Beaufort County, was recently appointed by N.C. Senate Leader Phil Berger to fill a vacancy on the North Carolina Governor’s Crime Commission. This Commission serves as an advisory body to the governor and the secretary of the Department of Public Safety on matters of crime and justice.

“I’m grateful for Ernie’s willingness to make positive contributions and I thank him for his interest in serving the people of North Carolina on the Governor’s Crime Commission,” Berger said.

In December 2014, Coleman was sworn in as the sheriff of Beaufort County. Previously, he served 25 years with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol and four years of service in the United States Air Force. In 2010, Coleman received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, which is the state’s highest honor that the governor can confer to a civilian. Coleman joins three other Sheriffs on the Commission, Guilford County Sheriff B. J. Barnes, Wake County Sheriff Donnie Harrison and Nash County Sheriff Keith Stone.

“I am looking forward to serving the people of North Carolina and providing insight into the needs of our criminal and justice system,” Coleman said.

The Commission is a pass-through agency from 14 different federal funding sources for about $100 million of federal block grants each year for new criminal justice programs. Commission members, along with agency staff, set program priorities, review applications and make recommendations to the governor. They also ensure that money is spent according to federal and state governmental regulations during the life of the grants.

Coleman’s appointment was at the recommendation of Sen. Bill Cook (R-District 1).

“Ernie brings an extensive amount of experience and knowledge to the Governor’s Crime Commission, and I am confident that he will serve our state well on this Commission,” Cook said.