A former Auburn Police Chief is weighing in on the race for Cayuga County Sheriff.
James Slayton, who retired at the end of 2024, has announced his support for Chris Major, one of the candidates seeking the office. Slayton said he worked alongside Major for more than twenty years and praised his commitment, professionalism, and compassion for the people of Auburn and Cayuga County. His full letter of endorsement appears below:
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to offer my full and unequivocal endorsement of Chris Major as a candidate for Sheriff of Cayuga County.
I am the retired Police Chief of the Auburn Police Department, and during my career, I had the privilege of working alongside Chris Major for over twenty years. Throughout that time, I witnessed firsthand his unwavering commitment, professionalism, and genuine compassion for the citizens of the City of Auburn and Cayuga County.
During our years of service together, Chris and I were both assigned as School Resource Officers within the Auburn Enlarged City School District. In that role, I worked closely with Chris on numerous initiatives focused on school safety and the overall well-being of every student, staff member, and visitor who entered our school buildings. Together, we conducted school threat assessments and coordinated active shooter training programs throughout Cayuga County. These efforts required sound judgment, calm leadership, and the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, skills Chris consistently demonstrated at the highest level.
I have often stated that my experience as a School Resource Officer was instrumental in preparing me for my role as Chief of Police. It was in that assignment that I refined my ability to communicate with the public, build trust, and truly understand the needs of the community I served. I can say with confidence that Chris Major’s time as a School Resource Officer has provided him with that same foundation. He was an exceptional School Resource Officer, respected by students, educators, parents, and fellow officers alike.
Chris Major possesses the experience, integrity, and leadership necessary to serve effectively as Cayuga County Sheriff. His dedication to public safety, combined with his proven ability to lead with respect and compassion, makes him exceptionally well qualified for this position.
I strongly and proudly endorse Chris Major for Sheriff of Cayuga County.
Respectfully,
James Slayton
Retired Police Chief
Auburn Police Department
Major expressed gratitude for the endorsement, calling it especially meaningful given Slayton’s career and leadership.
“Chief Slayton is someone I worked alongside for decades and deeply respect,” Major said. “His endorsement means a great deal to me. School safety, community trust, and professional leadership are priorities we shared, and those same values will guide me as Sheriff.”
Major is running for the Republican and Conservative nominations to replace Sheriff Brian Schenck, who is not seeking reelection. Another candidate in the race is Rob Franklin, a detective lieutenant in the sheriff’s office. Franklin has already picked up endorsements from Sheriff Schenck, Undersheriff Stuart Peenstra, and the county’s custody officers.
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