Michael Pardue, of the Tideview Group, was sworn in as Wiscasset’s interim police chief Monday, March 28 by Deputy Town Clerk Molly Bonang.
During a telephone interview Tuesday afternoon, March 29, Pardue said he and former Brunswick Police Chief Jerry Hinton will share the duties of the position until the town hires a new chief.
Pardue has worked as the director of public safety in Westbrook, town manager for North Hampton, N.H. and Ogunquit, police chief in Ogunquit, and director of police services for Kennebunk.
The Tideview Group, a management firm located in Kennebunk, has been contracted by the town to help in the search and hiring process for a new police chief. The Tideview Group was hired by the town last year to complete an assessment of the Wiscasset Ambulance Service.
Pardue said the selection of a police chief will be a partnership with the people of the town. According to Pardue, the oral board interviewing the candidates should include representatives of various facets of the town: the schools, the business community, town government, and others.
“We are very happy to be part of the process in selecting a new police chief, and we will do everything we can to select a perfect police chief for the town. Wiscasset is a wonderful community. Everyone has been very welcoming and helpful to us,” Pardue said.
Pardue and Hinton will share 32 hours a week to do the administrative duties of police chief. Applications for police chief will be accepted until April 1.
There is also an opening for a full-time police officer in Wiscasset, with the applications to be reviewed beginning April 8. The specifications and qualifications for both positions are listed on the town website.
