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 in 2001. He was recruited to the SPD seven years later, where he quickly became a field officer training others. He was assigned to the criminal investigative division as a detective in 2010 and assisted in solving the Sanford Mill fire case and investigated several bank and pharmacy robberies. Recognizing the need for the department to focus on mental health needs and substance use issues, Eric spent time in the community building relationships with people experiencing homelessness and substance use disorder and was instrumental in establishing and developing the SPD’s mental health unit.

Small has an Associate’s Degree in law enforcement from Southern Maine Technical College and a Bachelor’s in political science from the University of Maine. He has received many law enforcement certifications and awards. At the City Council’s Oct. 1 meeting, City Manager Steve Buck recognized Small’s empathy, dedication and abilities, and said as Police Chief, he will “continue the department’s strong pathway of leadership.”

The Council voted unanimously to affirm the appointment. Outgoing Chief Andersen pinned the Chief’s pin to Small’s uniform, following which he was sworn in by City Clerk Sue Cote.

Buck gave a moving tribute to Andersen, outlining his career accomplishments and the benefits to the city stemming from his leadership. Buck said Andersen achieved major changes within the SPD by engaging the department at all levels, which he called a paradigm shift that resulted in the SPD becoming a center of excellence within the region and the state. He said the support Andersen has had from his department through his time as chief is “the mark of a true leader.”

Buck said Andersen’s focus on community policing, including the implementation of social workers, community outreach and partnership with other agencies has been outstanding. This focus has greatly improved the favorable impression of the SPD, their delivery of service and the safety of the entire city as a whole. Officer recruitment and retention programs instituted under Andersen’s leadership resulted in a work environment and attitude within the department which has attracted both non-certified and certified officers to Sanford. He praised the reorganization and succession plans for the SPD, which Andersen spearheaded.

Buck concluded by noting the outgoing Chief’s exceptional communication skills and ability to connect with the public, and his empathy in solving problems. “This has been one of your greatest strengths and your greatest contributions to the department,” he said.

Small thanked Andersen for his leadership and example of humility, teamwork and support.

As part of the department’s succession plan endorsed by the council, Major Matt Gagné has been promoted to deputy chief. There will be a competitive internal process to fill the vacant major position. Sergeant Colleen Adams has been promoted to lieutenant and Officer Jeremy Riddle has been promoted to sergeant. If a lieutenant or sergeant is promoted to major, there will then be another competitive process for such replacement as necessary.