Oxford Police Chief Michael Ward, center, stands with his full-time officers after his appointment Thursday night at the Municipal Center. From left are Zane Loper, Jeremy Coron, Sgt. Rickie Jack, Ward, Daniel Hastings, Zachary Bisson, Bryce Mason and Reginald Littlefield. (Leslie H. Dixon/Advertiser Democrat)
OXFORD — Police Chief Michael Ward was sworn in Thursday night as Oxford’s new police chief at the Board of Selectmen meeting.
Greeted with applause from his officers, town officials, family members and friends, Ward took the oath of office. He will oversee seven full-time and four part-time officers.
The board unanimously accepted Town Manager Butch Asselin’s recommendation of the former lieutenant.
The Oxford native succeeds Jon Tibbetts, a 23-year veteran of the department who stepped down March 29.
Ward, 53, has worked for the department for a decade, and as interim chief since Tibbetts’ departure.
Ward was promoted from an Oxford detective sergeant to a lieutenant in 2010. The Oxford native said at that time his goal was to someday become police chief.
He began working in law enforcement in 1987. He served as a corrections officer, dispatcher and reserve officer with the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office. In 1988, he became a full-time deputy with the department, serving as contract deputy for Poland from 1988 to 1990.
From 1998 to 2003, Ward worked for the Mechanic Falls Police Department as a sergeant.
After a brief stint as manager of the Poland Spring House, Ward returned to police work in 2005 as a reserve officer with the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office and Oxford Police Department.
He began working as a patrol officer with the Oxford Police Department in 2006, became the chief deputy of the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office and returned to Oxford in January 2009 to become a detective sergeant in charge of investigations in the newly created position.
Ward was one of three candidates for the position of Oxford County sheriff this year.
In other matters, selectmen unanimously approved amendments to the Shoreland Zoning and Zoning ordinances, which include revising the definition of residence to include “tiny houses” and better defining the restriction of living in a recreational camper.
Revisions to the Shoreland Zoning map change some designated wetland areas from the 2008 map.
The board also approved an entertainment license for Honey Badger Bar & Grill on Route 26, which will allow the owner to offer a small area for low-key entertainment, such as a solo singer.
The board postponed action on a liquor license renewal for Oxford Casino until its next meeting to board members can meet with casino officials.
Asselin reported that the Maine Department of Transportation has revised its initial estimate for redoing the intersection of Route 26 and Casino Way, where two pedestrians were struck and killed last summer. The initial estimate of about $500,000 has been reduced to between $150,000 and $180,000. The town might pick up part of the cost, if approved by voters.
The town will also undergo an assessment of its streetlights to install LED lights. Asselin asked businesses interested in having their lights assessed to contact him.
ldixon@sunmediagroup.net
Send questions/comments to the editors.
Success. Please wait for the page to reload. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page.
Enter your email and password to access comments.
Hi, to comment on stories you must . This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login.
Already have a commenting profile? .
Invalid username/password.
Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration.
Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.
Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.