Update: Augusta councilors vote to confirm Lully as new police chief

Kevin Lully, pictured this week in the chief’s office at the old Augusta police station near Capitol Park, was confirmed Thursday night by the City Council to become the next chief of the Augusta Police Department. Lully, who has served in nearly every position in the department since coming to Augusta in 1995, has been interim chief since November. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal

AUGUSTA — City councilors Thursday night unanimously confirmed the appointment of Kevin Lully as the city’s new police chief.

Lully was appointed by City Manager Susan Robertson. He had been serving as interim chief since November, when the position was vacated by Jared Mills, who will soon take over for Robertson.

Councilors voted 8-0 Thursday night to confirm that appointment.

“I’m very pleased with the selection and couldn’t be happier about it,” Mayor Mark O’Brien said to Lully. “You’re going to do an outstanding job, you always have and I’m sure you always will. I’m grateful and I’m sure the city of Augusta is grateful as well.”

Lully, 52, a China resident, has worked for the Augusta Police Department for nearly 30 years, starting in 1995 as a patrol officer.

Robertson said Lully excelled at every position he has held over the years, taking on nearly every role within the department as he worked his way up the ranks.

Lully, joined by his wife, Janet, and daughters Madison and Jenna, was sworn in as police chief following the vote. Janet pinned his chief’s badge onto his uniform.

Councilors also voted to waive a city charter requirement that the police chief live in the city, as they also did for former Chief Robert Gregoire, who lived in Whitefield. Lully lives in China a couple of miles over the town line with Augusta.

Lully will be paid about $130,000 a year.

About two dozen police officers attended the vote and swearing-in of their new chief.

Lully, in a prepared statement, said he would not have reached the position of chief without the dedication, professionalism and amazing staff of the police department. He thanked the chiefs before him for making the department what it is today. He also thanked his parents for instilling integrity, work ethic and a sense of community in him, and his wife and daughters for their love and support.

Lully, a native of Aroostook County, holds an associate degree in criminal justice and a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science from the University of Maine at Presque Isle.