BANGOR – The Bangor Police Department has announced promotions within its ranks.

Detective Sgt. Ronald Gastia of Bangor was named lieutenant after 19 years with the department. Since December 1997, he has worked in the criminal investigation division. During his tenure, he has participated in several investigation task forces and has helped develop many programs for schoolchildren. As a lieutenant, Gastia will act as commander of the P.M. patrol crew, replacing Peter Arno, who is on assignment with the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency.

Sgt. Steven Hunt will be promoted to lieutenant Sept. 1. Hunt, who joined the Bangor Police Department in 1986, has developed a field training officer program and supervised the Bangor Field Office of the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency. The Dedham resident will be in charge of the A.M. patrol crew, replacing the retiring Lt. Edward Geissler.

Detective Paul Kennison, on the Bangor police force since 1992, has been elevated to the rank of sergeant. He is a certified bomb technician, a member of the special response team and a field-training officer. In February 1999, he was assigned to the criminal investigation division as an investigator. The Orono resident will now be a supervisor in the patrol division.

Officer Edward Potter of Hermon will be promoted to sergeant Sept. 1. Potter joined the force in January 1989. He is a certified hostage negotiator and member of the department’s bike patrol and will receive training as a bomb technician. Potter will be assigned to the patrol division.

Officer Mark Hathaway was recently promoted to sergeant. The Bangor resident has been with the department since 1987. He is a certified accident reconstructionist, bomb technician and crisis negotiator. He is a supervisor within the patrol division.