Rockland panel near to hiring police chief

ROCKLAND – A Brunswick man tapped for police chief is expected to get the City Council’s blessing on Wednesday.

Bruce Boucher, 53, accepted the job Friday morning, according to City Manager Tom Hall.

Final confirmation by the council is still needed. The council interviewed Boucher in a closed-door session Tuesday.

The police chief slot became vacant earlier this month when longtime Chief Alfred Ockenfels retired.

By an unplanned process of elimination, Boucher became the sole candidate recently when two finalists dropped out. The original pool of applicants was 39.

“Even before I met him, I had a strong feeling about him,” Hall said, saying he heard good words about Boucher’s reputation.

Boucher comes to the post with 30 years of law enforcement expertise.

For the past five years, Boucher has been chief director of Bowdoin College Safety and Security. He retired in 2000 from the Brunswick Police Department after 25 years of service. When he retired, he was commander of support services, which he likened to being a deputy chief.

As commander of support services, he supervised about 15 workers in the community and criminal divisions, school resource officer program, records management and evidence.

In his present position, he oversees security operations on the 1,600-student campus and supervises 20 full-time and 12 part-time staffers.

Originally from Livermore Falls, Boucher has moved around the state. He has a sister and other relatives who live in the Rockland area.

Boucher could not be reached for comment Friday. Hall noted Boucher is busy this weekend with commencement at the college.

According to Hall, Boucher will begin work July 5 and will be paid $56,000 per year.

Hall expects councilors to confirm Boucher’s appointment Wednesday, he said.

Rockland Police Department has a chief, deputy chief, four sergeants, 10 patrol officers, two detectives, a traffic officer and two support staffers.