Bangor police lieutenant retires after 25 years of service Diligence, personal touch marked Welch’s tenure

It was standing room only Thursday as people filled the Bangor Police Department classroom to praise Lt. Robert Welch, who after 25 years is trading in his shield for one that now bears the word retired.

Welch, who said he is going to miss the many people he’s met, helped and worked with over the years, was being remembered by those same people for his diligence and the personal touch he brought to his job.

“He was always willing to lend a hand and always willing to be helpful and he has contributed so much to this department that we’ll never be able to repay him,” Police Chief Donald Winslow told the gathering that included current and past police officers, police chiefs, prosecutors, civic leaders, firefighters, family members and friends.

As well as receiving a commendation from City Hall, Welch received one from FBI Director Robert Mueller that recognized Welch’s specialized FBI training and his work alongside local FBI agents.

The son of a Bangor police officer, Welch joined the Bangor Police Department on June 6, 1977, as a patrol officer. In 1989 he was promoted to sergeant and he became a supervisor in the detectives division in 1990 and of patrol two years later. Welch was promoted to lieutenant in 1995 and for the past four years has served as second-in-command of the department.

Over the years, Welch gained experience in a variety of fields within law enforcement, including K-9 handling, accident reconstruction and motorcycle patrol. He’s also sought to pass along some of the knowledge he’s accumulated over the years, serving as an instructor with the Maine Criminal Justice Academy.

“He’ll be able to leave this place knowing that he’s made the police department here in Bangor and the community a better place to live and work,” Winslow said.