A retired Auburn police chief is throwing his support behind Christopher Major in the race for Cayuga County sheriff.
James Slayton, the former chief of the Auburn Police Department, announced his full endorsement of Major, citing more than two decades of working alongside him in law enforcement.
Slayton said he saw Major’s professionalism, leadership, and compassion firsthand during their years serving together.
“Throughout our years of service together, I witnessed firsthand Chris Major’s unwavering commitment, professionalism, and genuine compassion for the citizens of Auburn and Cayuga County,” Slayton wrote. “He possesses the experience, integrity, and leadership necessary to serve effectively as Cayuga County Sheriff.”
Both men previously served as School Resource Officers in the Auburn Enlarged City School District. During that time, they worked closely on school safety initiatives, threat assessments, and active shooter preparedness programs across Cayuga County.
Slayton said those assignments demanded calm leadership, sound judgment, and clear communication, qualities he said Major consistently demonstrated.
“He was an exceptional School Resource Officer, respected by students, educators, parents, and fellow officers alike,” Slayton wrote.
Slayton also pointed to his own experience as a School Resource Officer, saying it helped prepare him to become police chief and gave Major a similar foundation for leadership.
Major said the endorsement carries special meaning given Slayton’s career and their shared history.
“Chief Slayton is someone I worked alongside for decades and deeply respect,” Major said. “His endorsement means a great deal to me. School safety, community trust, and professional leadership are priorities we shared, and those same values will guide me as Sheriff.”
Slayton closed his endorsement by stating he “strongly and proudly” supports Christopher Major for Cayuga County sheriff.
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