Well-known historian nominated to council

WESTBROOK – After 40 years of working for the city of Westbrook, former police Sgt. Mike Sanphy thought his days of service were over when he retired in 2008.

Now, the longtime Westbrook resident, police officer and historian is bringing his vast knowledge and experience to the City Council.

The city’s Democrats have nominated Sanphy to fill the City Council seat Suzanne Joyce vacated in November.

Sanphy, 64, of Temple Street, has resided in Westbrook for 43 years. Born and raised in Portland, he served in the Navy before returning to school, eventually earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine.

He joined the Westbrook Police Department in 1968, where he rose to the rank of sergeant before retiring in 2008 as its longest-serving officer. He also worked as a fire department captain and director of Westbrook Emergency Management.

All the while, he exhibited a keen interest in the city’s history. With hobbies such as photography and historical research, Sanphy has acquired a wealth of knowledge about Westbrook.

Sanphy is now president of the Westbrook Historical Society, which is contemplating a move from the American Legion Stephen W. Manchester Post 62 on Dunn Street into the community center at the former Wescott Junior High on Bridge Street.

He was pegged for the council seat after Joyce vacated it to take the at-large position on the school committee that opened up after Emily Serway’s resignation. According to Sanphy, it was Joyce who initially suggested him for the seat.

City Council President Brendan Rielly said some others were interested in the position, but they all withdrew by the time city Democrats met on Dec. 19 to make a nomination. Several people showed up in support of Sanphy, and he was the unanimous choice of those in attendance, Rielly said.

“First off, Mike is a great guy. He’ll make a great addition to the council,” Rielly said. “He brings a lifetime, really, of commitment to Westbrook.”

Rielly said it is helpful to have different perspectives on the council, noting Sanphy’s experiences and insight would be a “good addition” to the fold.

“It’s very good to have that kind of long-term perspective on the council,” he said.

One city department head who reacted positively to the nomination was police Chief Bill Baker, who worked with Sanphy for a time. He said the other officers always had a nickname for Sanphy: Mr. Westbrook.

Baker has experienced the shift from police work to holding public office; he was once a selectman in Southborough, Mass. He described Sanphy as kind, easygoing and helpful, traits he said would translate well to the council.

“I’m sure that those traits will transfer well onto his role on the council,” he said.

The council will have a vote to appoint Sanphy at its meeting on Monday night. Once appointed, Sanphy could begin serving that night, Rielly said.

Sanphy has no experience in a public office, but said he is looking forward to serving to the best of his ability. He described himself as a “frugal spender” who believes the government is responsible for providing necessary services to the public.

“It’s a whole new adventure for me,” he said.

Former Westbrook police Sgt. Mike Sanphy has been nominated by the city’s Democrats to fill the City Council seat Suzanne Joyce vacated in November.
File photo