Chief among us Chris Forehand takes finds a home at the Ayden Police Department
By Pat Gruner
C
hris Forehand might not be a native of Ayden, but his ties to the area date back more than 20 years. In that time, he’s come to call the town home. Now, as he starts his career as the Ayden Police Department’s chief, he’s making it his mission to ensure officers have the same respect for the city and its people as he does. In 1989, Forehand moved to Pitt County to attend Pitt Community College. He received an associate’s degree
14
in criminal justice and started his law enforcement career with the Ayden police as a reserve officer in 1993. “I was promoted to full time in August or September of ’94,” Forehand said. “I’ve been here ever since and done about every job you can do in this department.” That flexibility saw Forehand promoted all the way up to captain and then interimchief for six months. Now, he’s taking the helm as the department’s full time chief. Forehand’s love for Ayden is obvious. Before talking
about the department he spent time detailing the pride he takes in the town’s infrastructure, particularly the benefits for young people. “We have great schools in this town,” Forehand said. “Our recreation department is fantastic when it comes to handling all the sports in town. From football to basketball to baseball and soccer they’re taking care of just about every one you can think of. Now we have Ayden District Park on Jolly Road which has a great disc golf course.”
SUMMER/FALL 2021
Ayden’s new Police Chief Chris Forehand
“Our guys are stopping to engage with people and take an interest in them. Whether that’s helping out with a flat tire or just hanging out and shooting the breeze.” Ayden Police Chief Chris Forehand
AYDEN MAGAZINE
