RANGELEY — Selectmen accepted the resignation of Police Chief Dennis Leahy on Monday, and it will take effect Nov. 1.

Leahy had given his resignation to the town manager earlier this month.

“There comes a time when you realize there are other things in life that are more important than your selected profession, and when that happens you know it’s time to walk away,” Leahy said in the letter. “Things such as family, friends, health, etc.”

The letter was submitted to Town Manager Tim Pellerin by Leahy on Oct. 9 and presented to the selectmen at their first regularly held meeting since then. Board members said they needed more information regarding hiring options before they consider selecting a successor.

Leahy began as police chief in 2008, hired by former Town Manager Perry Ellsworth at a time Leahy said, “when the trust and the confidence of the Police Department was at its lowest.”

In his resignation letter, Leahy thanked the town and applauded the work of town employees, saying that without such a supportive Board of Selectmen, the department would not have progressed to where it is today.

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He also thanked Rangeley firefighters and fellow police officers for their commitment and dedication in keeping Rangeley safe.

“In closing, it’s not the job you miss, it’s the people,” Leahy said.

In a memo sent to all departments after he received Leahy’s letter, Pellerin said, “Chief Leahy has done a great job serving our citizens and our community and we thank him graciously for his years of service.”

Before becoming Rangeley police chief, Leahy worked for the Philadelphia Police Department, where he retired as a lieutenant after working there for 30 years.

Lauren Abbate — 861-9252

labbate@centralmaine.com

Twitter: @Lauren_M_Abbate


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