OLD TOWN, Maine — Police Chief Donald O’Halloran has been wearing a uniform for so long that some of the young crooks he busted when he started as a patrolman in Bangor now have grandbabies.
O’Halloran joined the Bangor police force in January 1969 as a patrolman and he was assigned to the juvenile division. After 20 years, he earned the rank of lieutenant and was chief of the detective’s division when he was hired away by Old Town to replace retiring Chief Dale Gauthier.
O’Halloran, a Brewer High School graduate, has been serving the community for 46 years and has spent the last 26 years leading Old Town’s police department.
“He has done an excellent job as police chief while serving the citizens of Old Town,” City Manager Bill Mayo said Sunday in an email. “I have worked with Don since 1999 and always found Don to be not only professional but also approachable in trying to make Old Town a safe community and place to raise a family.”
City officials are looking for a replacement with experience, according to the job posting on Old Town’s website.
The candidate must have a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice or a closely related field, 10 years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience, a minimum of 5 years of administrative supervisory experience, and history of professional development.
Those interested in the job have until Feb. 11 to submit a resume and cover letter to Mayo.
In addition to being skilled as a police officer, the city is also looking for a police chief who is easy to get along with.
According the job posting, the ideal applicant should have the ability to quickly comprehend “the layout of the community, the character of the populace and its expectations of the department’s role and performance, establish a rapport with community leaders, and earn respect within the community. Also, the ability to establish effective working relationships with fellow employees and the general public is a must.”
Sgt. Lee Miller has worked with O’Halloran for years and says it has been an experience that he will treasure.
“He may be retiring after 46 years in March, but his legacy will remain in all those that he has led over that time,” the sergeant said.