LEWISTON — Lt. James Minkowsky was tapped Tuesday for the No. 2 spot at the Lewiston Police Department.

Minkowsky, 41, joined the department in 1990. He has served as patrol officer, sergeant and lieutenant. He was the first supervisor to run the department's Youth and Family Services Unit after its creation in 2000, according to a release.

He also has served as acting police chief in Monmouth, where he lives with his two daughters.

Chief Michael Bussiere said he picked Minkowsky from a group of qualified finalists that included two lieutenants, a sergeant and a patrol officer.

"Jim is a consummate professional and a dedicated public servant who will continue to serve this city and the Lewiston Police Department well," Bussiere said.

He said he and Minkowsky started at the department at about the same time. The two also served together in the same Cub Scouts troop, which met in the basement of Holy Cross Church.

"We go back a long ways," Bussiere said.

He stepped into the top job in May after former Chief William Welch stepped down. Bussiere was officially named chief in August.

Bussiere said Minkowsky has "exceptional leadership capabilities." He'll be charged with overseeing departmental training as well as helping to develop and staff a new community resources division within the department.

Minkowsky also was picked for his ability to work well with other city agencies, such as code enforcement, fire and administrative officials, Bussiere said.

He said he expected Minkowsky to be appointed to community boards and to become involved in various community functions in the city.

"That's very important to me," Bussiere said.

Minkowsky is scheduled to be sworn in at a formal ceremony at 3 p.m. Monday at the police station. 

Minkowsky earned a bachelor's degree in administration of justice from the University of Maine while working as a police officer. He is a 2008 graduate of the FBI National Academy. He is a licensed polygraph examiner and serves in the U.S. Naval Reserves.