Coltrain sworn in as new Williamston Chief of Police

A standing room-only crowd filled the Williamston’s boardroom Monday evening to partake in history.

However, before cameras were focused, Williamston Mayor Dean McCall asked for a moment of silence for those devastated by Hurricane Helene.

The silence was replaced by applause once Williamston Police Captain Beth Coltrain was sworn in to become the town’s first female chief of police. Chief Coltrain is also the first female chief in Martin County.

Local and county officials, the officers of the Williamston Police Department and representatives from the Edenton Police Department joined friends and family members to watch the ceremony.

Coltrain was surrounded by her husband, Eric, and her two children — Chase and Natalie — as District Court Judge Regina Parker administered the oath of office.

Following the ceremony, friends and fellow employees congratulated Coltrain and gathered for photographs with the first female chief, marking the historic moment.

While the room was filled with enthusiasm and excitement, there was a bittersweet moment.

Coltrain’s appointment was an administrative line-up change. The chief’s position became available in September when Williamston Police Chief Travis Cowan resigned after a 30-year career with the department. Simultaneously, Williamston Town Administrator Eric Pearson retired for the third time from that position causing the vacancy.

McCall commended Pearson on his service to Williamston and the strides the town made under his direction. Pearson was enthused about this particular official retirement.

“No, I don’t think I will be returning for a fourth time, although I have enjoyed Williamston and I will be watching from afar,” Pearson said.

The new chief is excited about her work.

“I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve my hometown. I have always had a strong desire to serve others and to help those in need. God has opened doors for me and I have simply followed where I believe he has led me,” said Coltrain. “Sir Isaac Newton stated ‘if I have seen further [than others], it is by standing on the shoulders of giants,’ I proudly stand on the shoulders of Chief Steve Smith and Chief Travis Cowan as I take the reins and continue that standard of excellence they set.

“I am proud of our department and I am honored to have this opportunity to continue to serve alongside my fellow officers as we continue our Community-Oriented approach to policing,” she closed.