Timothy DeLuca
HOULTON, Maine — The deputy chief of the Old Orchard Beach Police Department has been selected as the new chief of the Houlton Police Department.
Timothy DeLuca, who was officially hired for post by the Houlton Town council on Monday evening, will become the new chief starting on Jan. 3, 2017, according to Town Manager Butch Asselin.
DeLuca told councilors at the meeting that he is “very honored” to be getting the opportunity to head the department.
He has 32 years’ experience with the Old Orchard Beach Police Department, most recently as deputy police chief, and told councilors that he considers himself a “community policing” kind of officer.
DeLuca will take over a post that has been vacant since early August, when previous police Chief Terry Joe McKenna resigned after 20 months in the post, citing an inability to work with the town manager.
The second in command, Capt. Dan Pelletier, who has been with the Houlton force for 41 years, has served as the interim police chief while a replacement has been sought.
Four out of 13 applicants for the position were selected for interviews, according to Asselin.
Interviews were conducted at the town office on Tuesday, Oct. 18, with an interview panel consisting of Pelletier, council chairman Matt Carr, Lt. Brian Harris of the Maine State Police, WHOU owner Fred Grant and Asselin.
“I am sure that Old Orchard Beach will hate to lose Deputy Chief DeLuca,” said Asselin. “But he will be a real strength to this community. He has ties to Aroostook County because he has a camp in Oakfield. He plans to reside in Houlton.”
DeLuca said he is looking forward to starting the job.
“I have a real love for this area,” he said. “I have been coming here for a number of years. I am very thankful for this opportunity.”
