By Kerri Pepoy,Staff Writer

OXFORD – Longtime police Chief Ron Kugell, 72, is stepping down after 47 years with the department.

Kugell told the Board of Selectmen at its regular meeting Thursday that it was time to hand the reins over to someone else. He’s been chief 40 years and has never received a salary, only a yearly stipend.

“I have to step down at some point. After 40 years, it’s probably time,” he said. “You’ve made it a very pleasant experience. I really want to thank you.”

Kugell’s retirement becomes effective March 15.

“Ron, before you leave, I’m sure we will honor you in a more proper way,” Town Manager Michael Chammings said after he and the five selectmen stood and applauded, along with Town Clerk Ellen Morrison and several residents.

“Back pay,” Kugell responded with a laugh.

The Oxford Police Department has five full-time officers including the chief’s position plus several reserve officer positions.

After the meeting, Kugell declined to comment on a successor but said, “The department is in a position where they can make a smooth transition.”

“It has grown into a real professional, excellent department,” he said. “I will help with the transition any way I can. I have a vested interest in it.”

The Oxford Police Department, for many years a volunteer force, was an offshoot of Civil Defense police forces from World War II. It gradually became a paid police force as the town’s population and economic activity expanded.

“I’m the last of the volunteers,” Kugell said.

Kugell taught math, science and driver education for many years at Oxford Hills High School in Paris, beginning in 1961, and served as assistant principal from the mid-1970s until 1983. He and his wife, Marcella, own housing developments in Norway and Mechanic Falls.

Born in Boston, Kugell interrupted his high school education to serve in the Korean War. After the war, he finished his junior and senior years of high school in Maine, obtaining his diploma in 1954, the same year he married Marcella.

He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Gorham State Teachers College. He has served on the SAD 17 Board of Directors for many years.

Kugell has four children and eight grandchildren.