BELFAST – After five years of dedicated service to the City of Belfast and the Belfast Police Department, Police Chef Gerry Lincoln will be retiring on February 22. 
 
Chief Lincoln started his career with the Belfast Police Department as a Detective Sergeant in 2017 before being promoted to Deputy Chief in September of 2018. He was appointed as Chief of the Belfast Police Department on January 22, 2020, by the Belfast City Council.
 
Chief Lincoln, no stranger to challenges, stepped into the role of Chief of the Belfast Police Department at the height of a staffing shortage, and quickly invested his efforts into transforming the department. He was presented with many hurdles that he worked diligently to overcome. His level head and thoughtful approaches brought him great successes in his role as Police Chief.
 
"Along with City Manager Herbig and my fellow Councilors, it has been a pleasure to work with Chief Lincoln for the past two-plus years,” said City Councilor Brenda Bonneville, in a news release. “Under his leadership of our community-oriented Police Department, we have seen many examples of innovative and compassionate policing, paired with the hard work of ensuring that the citizens of Belfast and visitors to our city are protected and safe. I wish Chief Lincoln all the best in his future endeavors.”
 
Chief Lincoln has been a tremendous leader for the Belfast Police Department, especially in the face of a worldwide pandemic, the release said. His previous experiences, especially his military training, prepared him to address the ever evolving challenges presented to first responders, especially in the midst of a pandemic.
 
“Chief Lincoln was a professional, calm, and steady Chief of Police for the people of Belfast,” noted City Councilor Mike Hurley. “We thank him and wish him well.”  
 
Chief Lincoln actively promoted the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics, and embraced the concepts of 21st century policing. He focused his efforts as Chief to execute policing in a smart, organized, and effective manner. He treated the citizens of Belfast with dignity and respect, working with the department to create trustworthy and productive relationships with the Belfast community.
 
“During Gerry Lincoln's tenure as the Chief of the Belfast Police Department, the city and the department have endured some troubled times,” describes City Councilor Neal Harkness. “We have been fortunate to have a leader as efficient and thoughtful as Chief Lincoln in command. The people of Belfast owe him their profoundest gratitude.”
 
Chief Lincoln’s affinity to be a part of the community served him well in the role. He had a forward thinking approach that he applied in his focus for transforming the department. He saw a team of young and eager officers that provided a great potential for the department to grow and address the needs of the Belfast community. He enjoyed serving the City of Belfast and embracing his passion for law enforcement and safety.
 
“Chief Lincoln is a caring and thoughtful person, with the Chief’s leadership the City’s police department has only improved. The City of Belfast and I will miss his professionalism representing all the citizens of this great city. I can only wish him the best on all his future endeavors and say this. Job well done,” said City Councilor Paul Dean.
 
Chief Lincoln dedicated his law enforcement career in the City of Belfast towards making the Belfast Police Department the best that it can be for the citizens of Belfast. He will be sorely missed by the City. The City wishes him the very best in his retirement, and is forever grateful for his service to our citizens.
 
“Chief Lincoln served the people of Belfast well during his time as Deputy Chief and then Chief of Police, as he guided our department through a generational transition. Best wishes and thanks to the Chief and his family as he begins retirement,” remarked City Councilor Mary Mortier.
 
Chief Lincoln first began his service for the City of Belfast in 2017. He joined the Department as a Detective Sergeant in February of 2017, and quickly rose to the position of Deputy Chief of Police in September of 2018. In 2020, he earned the position as Chief of Police.

Chief Lincoln had spent nearly a decade serving as a first responder for the Waldo County Sheriff’s Office prior to joining the Belfast Police Department.

In his formative years, he served in the U.S. Airforce flying fighter jets in the North Pole. He received his B.A.Sc. in Aviation/Airway Management and Operations from Thomas Edison State College in 1993.
 
“I’d like to thank the Chief for his service to the City, and wish him a happy retirement, as long as he keeps me posted on his fishing holes,” said Mayor Eric Sanders. “In all seriousness, it was a tremendous honor to work with him, and he accomplished many, many things in a short period of time as our Chief of Police.  He will be greatly remembered, and greatly missed!”