Auburn Police Chief Bill Pierson has separated from the city, effective immediately. Mayor Nancy Backus has named Assistant Chief Mark Caillier as acting chief until an interim chief is appointed.
Pierson began with the Auburn Police Department in 1990 as a Patrol officer. Throughout his career he served as a bicycle officer, narcotics detective, and SWAT marksman. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1997 and Commander in 2005.
Pierson was promoted to Police Chief in June 2018 after the retirement of Chief Bob Lee. He served for one year, five months.
“We acknowledge and are grateful for the contributions Chief Pierson has made during his time with the Auburn Police Department,” said Mayor Nancy Backus. “At this time we are pursuing a different direction for management within the department.”
At this time the City of Auburn is offering no further comment or clarification on this matter.
I am sad for Chief Pierson and the city but I’m choosing to believe the best here…Chief decided to quit and that is that. Why do we have to read into this with our own scenarios? He is a good man, he’s been a good officer, the chiefs job is the hardest of all….let him leave with dignity instead of our warped scenarios. We weren’t there, we aren’t him. THANK YOU, CHIEF PIERSON for your faithful service!
He didn’t say he retired, the city didn’t say he retired, the term “separated” shows there’s more to it. He became Chief in mid-year. No contract runs to a random Friday in November. He was canned. But… why?