FREEPORT, Maine — Freeport Police Lt. Susan Nourse will be nominated by Town Manager Peter Joseph to become Freeport’s new chief of police, Joseph announced Thursday evening.
Nourse, who has served as the department’s acting chief since the retirement of former Chief Gerald Schofield this spring, has served with the department for 31 years, including 11 as a lieutenant. She holds a master’s degree in education and graduated from the FBI National Academy.
“After a thorough recruitment and interview process, as well as a large amount of feedback from various residents and community members, I am confident that Susan has the required knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as the knowledge of, and support from, the community to progress in her career and succeed in the position of chief of police.”
A regional search drew 20 applications, of which five were selected for interviews with Joseph; assistant to the town manager and personnel director Judy Hawley; Robert Schwartz, executive director of the Maine Chiefs of Police Association; Gorham police Chief Dan Jones; and Topsham police Chief Chris Lewis.
Nourse and longtime Brunswick Police Cmdr. Marc Hagan were selected as finalists, and each met with members of the public in hour-long sessions last week.
According to town charter, the town manager nominates a candidate, and that candidate is considered for approval by the full council.
According to an email from Joseph, Nourse was on vacation Friday.