The town of Ashland has hired a longtime law enforcement officer as its new police chief.
Michael Montpetit started his new post on May 1 with an annual salary of $70,000.
He is Ashland’s second police chief in six months. Fort Kent native Christopher Cyr was hired on Nov. 1 but resigned after four months on the job, Ashland Town Manager Alicia Burby said. Cyr replaced Cyr Martin, who had served 20 years as police chief and seven as town manager.
Montpetit stepped in as acting chief, applied for the chief’s position and was subsequently hired, Burby said.
Burby said she could not specify how many candidates applied for the job. Cyr resigned before she started as town manager on March 3, so she had no details about his resignation, she said.
The new chief brings decades of law enforcement experience and deep community connections, Burby said.
“Throughout his career, Chief Montpetit has demonstrated unwavering dedication to protecting and serving the people of Ashland,” she said. “His experience, combined with his deep understanding of the local community, makes him an invaluable asset to the department and the town.”
He was born at Loring Air Force Base and grew up in Masardis, according to town officials. He attended Ashland schools and has spent most of his life in the area.
Before starting his law enforcement career, he studied electrical construction at Northern Maine Community College in Presque Isle.
He first joined the Ashland Police Department in 1995 as a reserve officer, becoming full time in 1999. He completed Maine Criminal Justice Academy training in 2000.
He later served as an Aroostook County Sheriff’s Office deputy and a patrol sergeant for the now-defunct Washburn Police Department. Most recently, he rejoined the Ashland force as a sergeant.
He advanced to full-time again in December and stepped in as acting chief when Cyr resigned, Burby said.
Montpetit did not immediately respond to requests for comment, but said in a press release he was honored to take the job.
“I am honored to serve as chief of police for Ashland and to continue working closely with the community I call home,” he said in the statement. “I look forward to strengthening our department’s relationship with residents and ensuring that Ashland remains a safe and welcoming place for all.”
