TOPSHAM — Topsham Police Chief Timothy Young submitted his resignation Friday after nine years as the town’s police chief.

In his letter of resignation, dated April 13, Young wrote that his last day of work will be May 4.

“I have been in the field of law enforcement for over 35 years and have enjoyed every aspect of my career,” Young wrote. “ It is now time to explore other opportunities that are ahead of me. I would like to thank the town of Topsham for having me as their police chief for the past nine years.”

Town Manager Cornell Knight told The Times Record that he plans to appoint Lt. Christopher Lewis as interim chief, “and then we’ll decide how to proceed with filling the position.”

Lewis said, “It has been a pleasure to serve under the command of Chief Timothy Young, and I look forward to what the future may hold.”

Donald Russell, chairman of the Board of Selectmen, said he’d received a copy of Young’s resignation letter.

“He’s chosen to submit his resignation, and we’ll certainly honor that and wish him the best,” Russell said today.

Young replaced Paul Famulari as Topsham police chief on April 1, 2003. Prior to accepting the Topsham job, Young served in the Brunswick Police Department for more than 21 years, working his way up from the rank of patrolman to commander.

While serving as commander of support services in Brunswick, he was in charge of the criminal investigations division, communications and records. The native of Essex, Mass., who was 47 years old when he accepted the job as Topsham’s top cop, first worked in the Essex Police Department before accepting a job with the Brunswick Police Department.

dmoore@timesrecord.com