Trenton promotes lieutenant to police chief

Veteran officer was thinking about retirement  in January when there was an opening at the top

Trenton police Lt. Tim Traud, pictured Wednesday, Nov 18, in Trenton, is scheduled to be sworn in as the new Trenton police chief during a City Council meeting Thursday night, Nov. 19. He has been with the department for 29 years moving through the ranks from patrol officer all the way up to the highest law enforcement position for the city.

Staff photo by Gary Stelzer Trenton police Lt. Tim Traud, pictured Wednesday, Nov 18, in Trenton, is scheduled to be sworn in as the new Trenton police chief during a City Council meeting Thursday night, Nov. 19. He has been with the department for 29 years moving through the ranks from patrol officer all the way up to the highest law enforcement position for the city.

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By Denise Wilson, Staff Writer Updated 1:16 AM Thursday, November 19, 2009

TRENTON — After nearly 30 years with the Trenton Police Department, Lt. Tim Traud has been named the city’s new police chief.

Traud, 56, of Lebanon, is replacing Carl Ray, who abruptly resigned July 31 without providing an explanation to the city. Ray, who joined the department in March 2007, earned $81,912 in 2008, the city said.

Traud, who has been serving as the department’s interim police chief, is scheduled to be officially sworn in as the city’s new police chief during a City Council meeting at 7:30 p.m. today, Nov. 19.

He is being paid $76,606 per year in his new post, said City Manager John Jones.

“Having served nearly 30 years of his career with the city of Trenton and agreeing to serve two times as the interim chief, I believe Lt. Tim Traud is a perfect fit for the chief’s position,” Jones said. “Our new chief relates well to staff, is well respected in our community and is very loyal to his department and staff, the council and administration.”

Traud said he is looking forward to the challenges of running the department, which consists of 14 full-time officers including himself, plus four full-time dispatchers, six part-time dispatchers and one administrative assistant.

“I’m humbled that the city trusts me to hold this position. I’m excited about the challenges,” he said.

Traud joined the department in May 1981 as patrol officer and in May of 2001 was promoted to sergeant. Then in May 2004 he was elevated to lieutenant and assistant police chief, he said.

He said he had not considered serving as a police chief in his career until about three months ago when Ray resigned the post.

“When Carl resigned, I thought this is an opportunity that I should not pass up,” he said noting that he planned to retire in January.

“And I was content to retire as a lieutenant/assistant chief, but with the vacancy created at the top, I thought well why not stay a little bit longer and go out at the pinnacle of my profession.”

Tim Traud bio

1971 graduate of Lebanon High School.

Spent eight years in the U.S. Army and one year in the U.S. Army reserves.

Joined the Trenton Police Department on May 28, 1981.

Served as Trenton’s interim police chief from Oct. 8, 2006, to March 19, 2007, and again since July 31.

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