Charles “Ray” Pelton Named Chief of Police

The Auburn Police Commission is pleased to announce the appointment of Lt. Charles “Ray” Pelton to be the next Chief of the Auburn Police Department.

Pelton will succeed long-term Chief Edward Picard who retires on February 14th.

Lieutenant Pelton has been a member of the Auburn Police Department since December 2000, and during his tenure has been promoted through the ranks as a Patrol Officer, Master Patrolman, Patrol Sergeant and Lieutenant.  Prior to Auburn, he served as a Police Officer with the Hooksett Police Department.

“We are very pleased to be able to promote a qualified and dedicated law enforcement professional to the Chief’s position,” said Police Commission Chairman David Dion.  Noting the promotion was with emphatic unanimous support of the three-member Police Commission, Dion said “Ray has been a leading member of the department and is anxious to continue to serve the residents of Auburn as their Police Chief.”

“The Police Commission is confident the residents of Auburn are going to be well served with Ray Pelton serving as Police Chief,” Dion said.  “He will be able to hit the ground running and will ensure the continued success of the department.”

Lt. Pelton will become the third full-time Chief of the Auburn Police Department.  His predecessor Chief Picard has served as Chief for 28 years, replacing former Chief Lloyd Wood in 1990.

In making the appointment, the Police Commission has approved an employment contract for a term of five years.  He will receive an initial annual salary of $87,369.