MADISON (WKOW) — Assistant Police Chief John Patterson is being named interim chief of the Madison Police Department. Patterson will temporarily serve as the city's next top cop. He will replace current Chief Shon Barnes until the Police and Fire Commission makes a permanent appointment to the Chief of Police position.

Barnes has recommended Assistant Chief John Patterson to succeed him as the city searches for a permanent replacement, Mike Quieto, a member of the city’s administrative support team, told the Wisconsin State Journal in an email Monday.