DeLuca took helm on Jan. 3
HOULTON, Maine — After 33 years of working along southern Maine’s coast as a member of the Old Orchard Beach Police Department, Timothy DeLuca is settling in nicely to his new role as Houlton’s newest police chief.
DeLuca became the town’s law enforcement manager on Jan. 3 taking over the post from Joe McKenna, who resigned last August. The Houlton department is just the second police force DeLuca has worked for in his lengthy police career.
“I had a very big interest in law enforcement [in high school] and had some mentors from the Windham Police Department that encouraged me to pursue this career,” he said. “Starting in 1984, I worked as a part-time police officer for Old Orchard Beach while attending college, and I never left the department.”
At the time he left Old Orchard, DeLuca had worked his way up to the position of deputy police chief, second in command to longtime Police Chief Dana Kelly.
“Chief Kelly was amazing to work for, having been there [at Old Orchard Beach] for 45 years,” DeLuca said. “I loved my job and the community of Old Orchard. But I was really looking forward to taking the next step in my career. He didn’t want to lose me, but encouraged me to apply here in Houlton.”
DeLuca had connections in Aroostook County. He did his police canine training in northern Maine through the Maine State Police and quickly discovered a passion for County life.
“The first time I came up here, I fell in love with the place,” he said. “I love snowmobiling and the outdoors and have been coming up here for nearly 30 years. I own a camp in Oakfield. So when I saw this opportunity come up, I applied.”
DeLuca admitted leaving the only department he had ever worked for was difficult, but he was eager for the new challenges that the Houlton Police Department will pose for him professionally.
“I am excited to be here,” DeLuca said. “The people have really welcomed me. And I am eager to get going.”
Despite the vast differences in geography, DeLuca said the types of crime in Houlton are very similar to those taking place at Old Orchard Beach with drugs and small crimes.
“The difference was the summer tourist season which brought a whole different dynamic,” he said. “On average, though, this community is very similar to Old Orchard. Every community is different, however, and it will be my job to learn what the priorities are for this area.”
Some of the things Chief DeLuca would like to implement with the Houlton Police Department include reinstating the Community Police Academy, which is open to residents to learn about policing; and a “Community Watch Council” program, which is a group that works jointly with the police department to achieve goals. He also wants to work more closely with the school department and would like to form a type of enhanced neighborhood watch program.
“In order to be a good police department, you have to interact with the community,” he said. “It’s not just about enforcement. It’s about providing services to the community through education and also partnering with the community to reach our youth, school departments, business owners and residents.”
He added he was excited to be working with the staff at HPD and the institutional knowledge they possess.
DeLuca was given a starting salary of $73,000 a year plus health insurance. That salary is slightly higher than that of McKenna, who started at $65,000 plus benefits.
