AUBURN — The director of Lewiston-Auburn’s emergency dispatch center will step down Friday to take over the training of future police cadets at the Lewiston Regional Technical Center.

“It’s a program I like, and one I’m interested in continuing,” said Andy D’Eramo of LA 911. “So many of the kids end up getting involved in law enforcement, it’s a great way to help shape the future.”

D’Eramo worked as Lewiston’s deputy police chief until 2002, leaving to teach a law enforcement program at Lakes Region Vocational Center in Bridgton. He joined the dispatch center in 2003.

Auburn Police Chief Phil Crowell will take over as acting director while the cities seek a permanent replacement for D’Eramo.

D’Eramo said his biggest accomplishment during his tenure at the dispatch center was getting accreditation for the department through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc. The center is currently the only accredited emergency dispatch and communication center in New England, one of 55 in the country.

“We’re a professional organization and we do a good job,” he said. “It’s good to have that recognized.”

D’Eramo will take over the technical center’s police cadet program in August.

“There are a number of officers in Lewiston today that got their start at this program,” D’Eramo said. “So it’s something that can have a real impact.”

staylor@sunjournal.com