After 27 years in law enforcement, Carrboro Police Chief Walter Horton has announced that he plans to retire at the end of January.
A native of Carrboro, Horton joined the department in 1993 as a member of the patrol division.
“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.”
Carrboro Mayor Lydia Lavelle said Horton 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,” 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 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.
“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.”
Lead photo via Town of Carrboro.
Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees. You can support local journalism and our mission to serve the community. Contribute today – every single dollar matters.
Related Stories
‹

Town of Carrboro Names Chris Atack as New Police ChiefThe Town of Carrboro has announced Police Captain Chris Atack its new Police Chief, following the retirement of Walter Horton earlier this year. “Chris has the right combination of experience and qualities that will make him a successful police chief,” said Town Manager David Andrews in a release. “We have chosen a leader who will continue […]

Latest Community Survey Shows High Level of Satisfaction Among Carrboro ResidentsThe latest Carrboro Community Survey shows a high level of satisfaction among town residents. The biennial survey, the results of which were presented to the Carrboro Town Council during its May 19 meeting, shows 96 percent of respondents rated the town as an excellent or good place to live. In addition, 93 percent of Carrboro […]

CHCCS Announces Leadership Changes At Carrboro High And Culbreth Middle SchoolsThis week, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools announced that two of its current principals will swap schools in the upcoming academic year.

Garbage Collection, Local Transit and More: How Memorial Day Will Impact Local ServicesThe observation of Memorial Day Monday, May 25 will affect local government services around the Orange County community. Here’s what residents can expect: Town of Chapel Hill Memorial Day is an official town holiday. Most town and other administrative offices will be closed. Residential trash will not be collected on Monday, with the make-up day […]
![]()
Carrboro: Budget Pressures, Budget Timeline, Freight Train BluesCarrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Friday, May 22, discussing town news and events. She talked about the upcoming Freight Train Blues concert, which was moved indoors to the Drakeford Library Complex due to threatening weather. She also gave an update on the town's budget, which recommends cuts to non-profits and other financial pressures, leading some council members to consider a tax increase. She talked about the budget timeline and more.

Carrboro High Students Dismissed Early Due to Piedmont Electric Power OutageMore than 7,000 Piedmont Electric Cooperative customers in Orange County lost power Friday due to a transmission issue affecting substations.

"Common Ground for US" Book Launch and Creativity Workshop with Carl NordgrenCome out to celebrate the launch of Carl Nordgren's new book, "Common Ground for US," June 4, 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Golden Fig Books in Carrboro.

Elizabeth Cotten's Family Gifts Legendary Musicians' Guitar to Carrboro, Opens Annual Blues FestivalA guitar of blues musician Elizabeth “Libba” Cotten – who grew up in Carrboro – was donated to the local government by her family on Friday.
![]()
Carrboro: Budget Update, Funding Cuts to Nonprofits, Climate ActionCarrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Friday, May 15, discussing town news and events. She gave an update on the town's proposed budget, which does not call for a tax increase, but does have funding cuts for nonprofits, and other financial pressure points for the community and local governments. She also talked about some climate action funds that are available, and more. She also previewed some upcoming community events and more.

NCDOT Warns of Traffic Delays as Pedestrian Work Continues on Highway 54The North Carolina Department of Transportation is cautioning motorists to be aware of potential traffic delays along North Carolina Highway 54. The delays come as the NCDOT works with a contractor to install pedestrian infrastructure at three key intersections along the highway. As was first reported in January, crosswalks with traffic signals will be installed […]
›