CARRBORO, NC -- After 27 years in law enforcement, Carrboro Police Chief Walter Horton has announced that he plans to retire effective Jan. 31, 2021.
“I want to thank Chief Horton for his service to Carrboro,” Town Manager David Andrews said. “In addition to his qualities of leadership and integrity, he has a unique understanding of our community which has served us well for many years.”
A native of Carrboro, Horton joined the department in 1993 as a member of the patrol division. Upon his appointment as police chief, he stated that “the assignment opened the doors of opportunity to work in community service, investigations, and administration, which culminated in my appointment as the town’s first African American Chief of Police. It has been a pleasure to serve the community where I grew up and called home.”
“My greatest accomplishment has been being true to this department and this community,” Horton said. “I’m thankful to all the officers and the staff of the department, as well as all my Town of Carrboro colleagues. I would not have been successful without them.”
Mayor Lydia Lavelle said that Horton has been responsive to questions and concerns from the public and the Town Council, producing numerous reports providing statistics and data about policing in Carrboro. She said he has been the perfect fit as police chief for Carrboro, especially during turbulent times across the nation.
“He and his department serve everyone in the community, including our immigrant population, by their proactive practice of community policing,” Mayor Lavelle said. “Born in Orange County, Chief Horton chose to spend his adult years and career in his home community, and he has served us well. He deserves this well-earned retirement from the Town of Carrboro.”
Horton grew up on Prince Street south of Jones Ferry Road in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. He spent his years of primary education in Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (Glenwood Elementary, Phillips Middle School, and Chapel Hill High School), and graduated from Mount Olive College with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
In 2001, Horton received the Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate which is given by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission. The commission is designed to reward and recognize officers who continually strive to better themselves professionally. He is also a graduate of the NC Justice Academy’s Management Development Program.
The Town of Carrboro is sad to see Chief Horton’s departure. We wish him many happy days of fishing and golfing, and new adventures ahead!
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