Caribou Police Chief Michael Gahagan will retire in July after a 51-year career in law enforcement, according to City Manager Penny Thompson.
Gahagan served 19 years as Caribou’s chief.
In a letter announcing his decision to retire, which Thompson shared, Gahagan thanked city employees and his fellow law enforcement officers.
During his career, he worked under eight city managers and four police chiefs, whose support and inspiration were invaluable, he said in the letter.
“I can’t forget all the fine police officers that I have worked with over the years,” Gahagan wrote. “Without these officers, the department would not be what it is today. I want to thank them for their dedication and service to our community.”
Gahagan started his career in 1973, walking the Caribou city beat, according to a 2013 Aroostook Republican article. Law enforcement was in his blood, having a father who was fire chief, a brother in the Maine State Police and another with U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
Most recently he has been involved in planning for the city’s new police station.
“The City of Caribou is grateful for the long career of Chief Gahagan,” Thompson said. “He has stepped up to serve in many roles over the years, including Interim City Manager. His devotion to the community and commitment to public service will long be remembered.”
City officials will soon launch a search for the next police chief, Thompson said. As per the Caribou city charter, the city manager names a police chief for an indefinite term.
