Lack of officers forces Johnston town's police department to shut down

The Johnston County Sheriff's Office has taken over responding to police calls in Micro after the town's police department was forced to close when the chief quit last week.

Police Chief Frederick Hendren, who was Micro's only full-time law enforcement officer, left April 27 for a better-paying job in another town, according to Commissioner Jay Langston.

Two of Micro's four part-time officers also recently left.

Langston said town officials are now conducting a search for a new police chief.

Johnston County deputies already sometimes handle calls in Micro because the small police force cannot provide 24/7 coverage.

Micro is Johnston County's smallest municipality, with about 500 residents.