FRYEBURG — Josh Potvin, who has been serving as acting police chief since last spring, has been chosen out of 37 applicants for the chief's job.
Well wishers, including his family, fellow officers and members of the Conway Police Department, packed Thursday's selectmen's meeting to see Potvin promoted from acting chief to chief of police by town manager Sharon Jackson.
Potvin was hired as a reserve officer in January of 2013 and rose through the ranks. He was named acting chief last spring after then chief Phil Weymouth was placed on leave and ultimately resigned. Potvin had 18 years of law enforcement experience prior to becoming acting chief.
Jackson explained that a national search for a new chief resulted in 37 applicants. The applicants were vetted by Jackson; representatives from a consulting company called the Tideview Group, Jerry Hinton and Michael Pardue; Bridgton Police chief Kevin Scofield; Fryeburg selectman Paul Naughton; Oxford County Sheriff Wayne Gallant; Paris police chief Michael Madden; and Fryeburg resident and retired Bridgton police chief David Lyons.
Potvin was subjected to a criminal background check, a polygraph, psychological and medical tests as part of the selection process.
Jackson thanked Potvin for filling in as acting chief.
"I appointed Josh to the position as acting chief in April because I knew I could trust and depend on him," said Jackson whose voice cracked with emotion. "During the last five months, Joshua has restored a level of trust and professionalism with the citizens of Fryeburg, the police officers and the employees, the outside law enforcement agencies and the local social service agencies that serve Fryeburg."
Jackson went on to say that Potvin did a great job running department, which has been short-handed.
"For these reasons and many more, it is with great pleasure, for me to introduce Fryeburg's next police chief, chief Josh Potvin," said Jackson.
Potvin was hired as a reserve officer in January of 2013 and rose through the ranks. He was named acting chief last spring after then chief Phil Weymouth was placed on leave and ultimately resigned. Potvin had 18 years of law enforcement experience prior to becoming acting chief.
Jackson explained that a national search for a new chief resulted in 37 applicants. The applicants were vetted by Jackson; representatives from a consulting company called the Tideview Group, Jerry Hinton and Michael Pardue; Bridgton Police chief Kevin Scofield; Fryeburg selectman Paul Naughton; Oxford County Sheriff Wayne Gallant; Paris police chief Michael Madden; and Fryeburg resident and retired Bridgton police chief David Lyons.
Potvin was subjected to a criminal background check, a polygraph, psychological and medical tests as part of the selection process.
Jackson thanked Potvin for filling in as acting chief.
"I appointed Josh to the position as acting chief in April because I knew I could trust and depend on him," said Jackson whose voice cracked with emotion. "During the last five months, Joshua has restored a level of trust and professionalism with the citizens of Fryeburg, the police officers and the employees, the outside law enforcement agencies and the local social service agencies that serve Fryeburg."
Jackson went on to say that Potvin did a great job running department, which has been short-handed.
"For these reasons and many more, it is with great pleasure, for me to introduce Fryeburg's next police chief, chief Josh Potvin," said Jackson.
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