Officials will announce Lewiston’s new police chief during a public event and swearing-in ceremony Monday at City Hall. “I am pleased to share that after an exhaustive, national search and invaluable input from the community, we will be able to announce Lewiston’s new chief of police on Nov. 24,” City Administrator Bryan Kaenrath said Wednesday. The new chief will succeed former Chief David St. Pierre, who announced his retirement earlier this year. St. Pierre, who was with the department for more than 30 years, rising through the ranks to become chief in 2021, has since been nominated to be Maine’s U. S. Marshal. His departure sparked a search process led by Kaenrath that has included a search committee, public forums and a lot of opinions from the community on who should lead the department. The search was open to both internal and national candidates. With nearly 90 police officers, Lewiston has the second-largest force in the state, and has more taskforce police officers assigned to federal partners than any other police department in Maine. The new chief will inherit a brand new police station and one of the state’s few nationally accredited police departments. They will also be tasked with leading the force as it contends with ongoing gun violence, strained community relations, and a frustrated public that expects results. Kaenrath said when the search began several months ago, his hope was “to identify a leader who embodies the highest standards of modern policing while understanding and respecting Lewiston’s cultural richness.” “Additionally, it was equally important that the chief reflects the insights and aspirations of our residents,” he said, referring to recent community meetings on the subject. “Neighbors spoke candidly with me about what they hoped this new chapter would bring: stronger community policing, deeper outreach, and genuine engagement with our youth,” he said. “To further ground the process in local perspective, I also convened a Police Chief Search Committee composed of committed community members whose guidance proved invaluable.” Mayor Carl Sheline said Wednesday that the selection process was “conducted in a transparent manner with a focus on soliciting community feedback.” “Our administrator and selection committee deserve high praise for their hard work,” he said. The announcement will be made at 10: 30 a. m. Monday in the City Council chamber at City Hall, 27 Pine St.
https://www.sunjournal.com/2025/11/19/lewiston-to-name-new-police-chief-monday/
