Binghamton University names Pelletier new police chief

VESTAL, N.Y. — Binghamton University has tapped John Pelletier to be the next chief of the school’s New York State University Police force.

Pelletier, who is currently a lieutenant with the department, will assume his duties as police chief on Dec. 13, Binghamton University announced.

“I want to congratulate John on his well-deserved promotion,” Timothy Faughnan, the current police chief, said a statement. “John clearly has the leadership qualities required to move the department forward in the future. He has my complete support and I feel very confident turning the department over to him.”

Faughnan will assume the position of associate VP of emergency services upon Pelletier’s appointment, Binghamton University said.

About Pelletier

Pelletier has “extensive” training and experience in law enforcement, the university said. After retiring from the U.S. Army as a master sergeant, Pelletier served as a senior observer for the task force one operations group at the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk in Louisiana, an assistant professor of military science at Penn State University, a military professional consultant and team leader in Kuwait, and an attendant in the Town of Vestal Court.

He joined the police force at Binghamton University in 2007, the school said.

During his time at Binghamton, Pelletier has served as field training officer and has taught at the Broome County Law Enforcement Academy. He was promoted to lieutenant in 2015, serving as afternoon shift supervisor responsible for the “health, welfare and performance” of nine patrol officers, three dispatchers and two security assistants.

He also served for two years as the supervisor of the community-response team, responsible for two officers who reach out to the community to educate students, faculty, staff, parents and visitors on the role of a Binghamton University police officer.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com