RANGELEY – Dennis Leahy has been named police chief after serving since August as interim chief.

Leahy, of Oquossoc, has more than 30 years of law enforcement history, starting his career in 1977.

He retired from the Philadelphia Police Department, where he worked his way up through the ranks to administrative lieutenant in charge of narcotics investigators and tactical teams.

Leahy started vacationing in the Rangeley area before making it his home after he retired.

Leahy previously served part-time with the Rangeley Police Department since late 2006, until he was named interim chief in August after former police Chief Phil Weymouth left to become Fryeburg’s police chief.

Selectmen appointed Leahy as chief on Dec. 3, Town Manager Perry Ellsworth said.

He “is fully knowledgeable of how our department operates,” Ellsworth said.

Leahy’s starting salary is $46,000 with a full benefit package as allowed for nonunion positions, Ellsworth said.

“Rangeley is lucky to have secured an individual who has experienced our police department as a part-time employee, which shortened the learning curve for the police chief position, and who has the diverse background that Dennis has,” Ellsworth said. “His commitment … will help ensure the safety of all in Rangeley.”