FORT FAIRFIELD, Maine — Fort Fairfield has announced that Matthew Cummings, a longtime law enforcement officer in Aroostook County, has been named the town’s new police chief.
Cummings first came to Fort Fairfield as a patrol officer in 2009 and went on to serve as a patrol supervisor for the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Office for seven years.
“I truly look forward to both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead,” Cummings said, in an announcement published by the Fort Fairfield Police Department. “I am ready to build a positive relationship between our community and the police department.”
Cummings’ hire comes at a time of uncertainty for the department. Former chief Shawn Newell resigned in June for reasons that were never announced publicly.
Newell had been named as a defendant in a 10-count civil lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court last August. Though Newell was placed on administrative leave in February, he nor the Town of Fort Fairfield has confirmed whether the lawsuit was the reason for his resignation.
Fort Fairfield’s police department is also one of many in Aroostook that are facing a shortage in officers and the potential for closure.
But the recent addition to the department might help to bring about positive change, according to town officials.
Town Manager Andrea Powers praised Cummings for his “experience in implementing innovative technology solutions” and for having a “strong aptitude in building lasting relationships.”
“He has a passion for community policing, transparency in law enforcement and a strong service and dedication to this community. We are looking forward to his tenure with Fort Fairfield,” Powers said.
Cummings’ first day with the town police department was on Aug. 9.
