RUMFORD – A longtime member of the Rumford Police Department was chosen as its new chief by a 3-1 vote of selectmen Thursday night.
Stacy Carter, now a lieutenant in the department, will become the new chief in late December. He has often filled in for the current chief during absences.
He was chosen from a field of 12 candidates, including two others from within the department. Other applicants were from throughout Maine, as well as from North Carolina and Connecticut. Four of the 12 applicants were interviewed.
Carter began his career as a patrolman with the local department in 1989. He then served as a sergeant for 12 years before his promotion to lieutenant last year.
Carter replaces Chief Timothy Bourassa, a 27-year veteran of the department, who is retiring.
Becoming the chief of police has been Carter’s long-term goal, he said.
“I’m kind of glad the process is over,” he said by cell phone late Thursday night.
“We have a strong department right now, and I hope to continue that into the future.”
The board entered a closed session after the regular meeting to go over the criteria used by the hiring committee to select a finalist for the position.
Town Manager Stephen Eldridge said Carter was the best choice for a variety of reasons, including his leadership qualities, a proven record and a clear understanding of the position.
“He’ll hit the ground running,” said Eldridge.
When selectmen voted to support Eldridge’s recommendation, several current and former police department colleagues offered a round of applause.
“I’m very pleased,” said Bourassa. “He’s a great guy, calm, level-headed, and gets along well with the department and the community.”
Selectman Greg Buccina had advocated advertising outside the department for a replacement for Bourassa. And he’s glad they did.
“He’s a good man, and he’ll serve the town for years. We need stability and consistency,” he said, adding that going outside the department to learn about other candidates proved “we have some damn good people here.”
After Carter’s graduation from Dirigo High School in neighboring Dixfield in 1983, Carter served as a military policeman in the Air Force for six years. He was stationed in Plattsburg, N.Y., and Zaragoza, Spain.
While working his way up the ladder at the Rumford Police Department, he completed a plethora of investigative, child-abuse, management and homicide courses. He also recently received his certification from the Muskie School of Public Service in executive leadership.
As chief, Carter will oversee 13 full-time officers, six reserve officers, several part-time dispatchers and a parking monitor.
Selectman Jim Rinaldo was the only dissenting vote. He said Carter is a good candidate, and he will support him; however, he said one of the other candidates scored higher in his written assessment. Selectman Jolene Lovejoy was absent. Voting for Carter were Selectmen Jim Thibodeau, Mark Belanger and Buccina,
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