SACO — The city of Saco has begun the search for a new police chief.
Saco Police Chief Raynald “Ray” Demers retired last week after working nearly 35 years in the police department.
Demers retirement came shortly after being reinstated to work following a two-month administrative leave. Demers and Deputy Police Chief Corey Huntress had been placed on administrative leave on March 15 and the city announced on May 20 that an investigation found no evidence of misconduct.
Deputy Police Chief Jack Clements is serving as interim chief.
City Administrator Kevin Sutherland, who is leaving his position at the end of the year, has listed the appointment of a new police chief as one of his top goals before he leaves.
The city posted a job advertisement for the chief position on Monday. The city will accept applications through July 5 with interviews beginning the week of July 8, said Sutherland at Monday night’s City Council meeting.
Sutherland said there will be a interview team comprised of himself, Human Resource Director MaryLou Kadlik, Fire Chief John Duross, City Councilor Roger Gay, Age Friendly Saco Director Jean Saunders as well as a representative from a local police union.
After the interviews are completed, a candidate will be recommended for City Council approval.
The police chief is the chief administrative officer, the appointing authority, and the final departmental authority on all matters of policy, operations and discipline within the police department, according to the online job advertisement posted by the city.
The chief is responsible for planning, directing, coordinating, managing, and staffing all activities of the police department and the training of its personnel, according to the job advertisement. The chief is also accountable for the police department’s continued and efficient operation, enforcement of rules and regulations within the department and completion and forwarding of such reports as may be required by proper authority, and is responsible for the department’s relations with local citizens, local government and other related agencies.
— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be reached at 780-9015 or by email at egotthelf@journaltribune.com.
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