Police Chief Sheehan Leaving For South Portland, Maine Department

TEWKSBURY, MA — Tewksbury Police Chief Tim Sheehan will soon leave the department, after being hired by South Portland, Maine. He will begin as South Portland's police chief in January, according to a release by the Maine town. Sheehan has been with the Tewksbury Police Department for 32 years, and has been the chief since 2009.

Sheehan's last day with Tewksbury has not been announced. He begins as South Portland chief on Jan. 13. The South Portland release praises Sheehan's record, including "providing tactical support to the Boston Police Department in the aftermath of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing" and serving as the "incident commander for the four-day statewide law enforcement mutual aid response to the 2018 Columbia Gas explosions and fires."

“I am incredibly grateful and honored to have been selected by City Manager Morelli to serve the men and women of the South Portland Police Department and the South Portland community,” Sheehan said in a statement. “I look forward to rolling up my sleeves with all the members of the department to develop strategies to build on the service the police department provides to the community and the trust-filled relationships that have been established.”

Tewksbury Deputy Chief John Voto released the following statement: "For the last ten years, Chief Timothy Sheehan has been the stoic leader of the Tewksbury Police Department. It is with a bittersweet mix of pride and sadness that we learn his 32 years of service with us is coming to a close. Chief Sheehan has accepted a new position as Chief of South Portland Maine’s Police Department. As we prepare to say goodbye, we hold firm in the knowledge that we are far better for having his leadership and guidance this past decade. South Portland Maine gains a great man to lead their department and we will continue to strive for the excellence that Chief Sheehan has come to know and expect of us."

Sheehan was selected from a field of 14 candidates, the release notes.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.