Category: Public Safety

Small Succeeds Andersen as Sanford Police Chief

L to R: Outgoing Police Chief Craig Andersen and new Chief Eric Small salute as the City Council looks on. Photo: City of Sanford By Zendelle Bouchard The Sanford Police Department has new leadership following the retirement of Craig Andersen, who served the SPD for 35 years, including the past three as chief. Eric Small, who served as deputy chief during that time, has been appointed to replace him. Small started his law enforcement career with the Berwick Police Department…

Sanford Police Awarded Grant for K9 Unit

By Zendelle Bouchard The Sanford Police Department has been awarded a $52,000 grant to add a multi-use patrol dog to the force. Deputy Chief Eric Small told the City Council’s Public Safety Subcommittee on Sept. 10 that Detective Kyle Cutler found the grant opportunity from the Stanton K9 Foundation which will cover the cost of the dog, training for an officer, conversion of a patrol vehicle and kennel, equipment, dog food and vet expenses for three years. The only cost…

Public Safety Report: September 2024

By Zendelle Bouchard The City Council’s Public Safety Subcommittee met Sept. 10 to hear updates from our first responder agencies as well as the Public Works Department. Police Department Updates New Officer: The Sanford Police Department has a new officer, Chantel Allen, who started Sept. 3. Ofc. Allen lives in Shapleigh and was previously with the Saco PD. She enjoys working the midnight shift and her particular areas of interest are impaired driving enforcement and crisis intervention. Staffing: Deputy Chief…

Fire Station Renderings Unveiled

Story and photos by Zendelle Bouchard City officials and members of Sanford Fire & EMS gathered Sept. 10 for the official unveiling of billboards showing artist renderings of the two proposed new stations. In his prepared remarks at the Headquarters site, on land formerly occupied by Springvale Nurseries, Fire Chief Scott Susi stated the project is a significant step forward in enhancing the department’s ability to improve community safety. “This strategic location will allow us to better serve Sanford and…

Public Safety Update: Shooting, Fire/EMS Stats

By Zendelle Bouchard Sanford Police Department Shooting Incident: The SPD is investigating multiple reports of gunshots in the area of Bodwell Street late at night on Tuesday, Aug. 20. Officers immediately responded to the area. The initial investigation did not reveal any victims or injuries, but a pane of glass in the School Street bus shelter was shattered, and shell casings were found nearby. Detectives from the SPD’s Criminal Investigation Division were still on scene Wednesday morning and are following…