Meet the Chief Deputy

John McArthur was born and raised in Chowan County. He is from the Macedonia Community where he grew up attending church and was brought up in the Christian faith. As an Eagle Scout, McArthur adheres to the principles encouraged by those two foundational factors built into his life. McArthur is a graduate of East Carolina University to which he was awarded a full scholarship with the North Carolina Police Corps. After graduating from East Carolina University with a BS degree in Criminal Justice, McArthur began his law enforcement career with the Pitt County Sheriff’s Office.

McArthur’s passion for making a positive impact with the youth in his community is exemplified through his involvement in many different youth focused groups such as scouting, GRIP (gang resistance and intervention program), the Chowan Edenton Optimist Club, and the Kids and Cops Program.

In 2008, McArthur was sworn in as a patrol deputy for the Chowan County Sheriff’s Office. In 2015 McArthur was assigned to the investigative division for the Sheriff’s Office and held that role until May of 2020 at which time he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant.  In August of 2020, McArthur was promoted to the rank of Chief Deputy under the newly appointed Sheriff, Edward Basnight.  With over 17 years dedicated to the law enforcement profession, McArthur currently holds his advanced law enforcement certificate and several accolades, honors, and awards from the local community and from the State of NC.

Honors and Affiliations

• Christian – 1989
• Eagle Scout – 1996;
• North Carolina Police Corps Scholar – 1999-2002
• Luther C. Parks Community Service Scholar – 1999-2002
• Higgins and Langley Memorial Award for Outstanding
  Achievement in the field of Swift Water Rescue – 2005
• Venturing Crew Advisor 2004 to 2008, recognized as the
  advisor of the year – 2007
• Hurricane Katrina Rescue Team – 2005
• Pitt County Sheriff’s Office Deputy of the Year – 2006
• Pitt County Sheriff’s Office Community Service Award – 2008
• Chowan Edenton Optimist Club Member since 2008 – Past President
• Edward G. Bond American Legion Post 40 Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer of the Year – 2010
• North Carolina Sheriff’s Training and Standards Commission Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate – 2010
• Chowan Edenton Optimist Club Outstanding Service to Youth award recipient – 2013
• Chowan County Sheriff’s Office Kids and Cops Program 4H Top Cop 2012 and 2016
• Edenton Chowan Chamber of Commerce Marvin S. Barham Humanitarian of the Year – 2016
• The State of North Carolina Governor’s recognition for dedication and commitment – 2016
• Graduate of the Pitt Community College Executive Leadership and Management Development Program – 2018
• Lay Leader for Edenton United Methodist Church since 2016
• United Methodist Fellows Graduate 2019
• Cub Scout Pack 164 – Cub Scout Master since 2018
• Chowan Eagle Scout Association charter member since 2018
• NC Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission Certified Criminal Justice Instructor – 2020