CAMDEN/ROCKPORT — Police Chief Randy Gagne is retiring from his current post overseeing law enforcement in Camden and Rockport, and will be heading to Rockland to work as a patrol officer. 

"It is just time," said Gagne, Jan. 23. "It has been a great career with no regrets. I just want to work a few more years at a less hectic pace. I want to have more time for my family, especially with grandchildren. I want to spend more time lobstering and enjoying life. The patrol position in Rockland gives me the balance I am looking for."

Gagne submitted his letter of resignation to the Camden and Rockport town managers and select boards Jan. 23.

"Chief Gagne has shared his decision to retire, and we appreciate his many years of service to Camden, Rockport, and the region," said Camden Town Manager Audra Caler, Jan. 23. "Over the coming weeks, the Towns [Camden and Rockport] will focus on ensuring continuity of public safety services and managing an orderly transition. No decisions have been made regarding long-term organizational or staffing changes at this time. Any next steps will be discussed by the Select Boards in public meetings as appropriate."

Rockport's Town Manager Jon Duke said Jan. 23: "I'm thankful for the near decade of service Randy Gagne provided as Rockport's Chief of Police. As a native of Rockport, Randy was able to meet the needs of our residents and provide leadership at a time our police department desperately needed it. This year has been challenging for our police department and our chief, perhaps most of all. Randy Gagne was the only person who could’ve stood as chief of two police departments with two town managers, two select boards, and two distinct union representations at the same time. That unique skillset and experience is uncommon, but it is unsurprising for those who know Randy Gagne as someone who deeply cares about the residents of Rockport and Camden.  

"Even off duty, Randy was only a phone call away when we needed him most, and I’m certain he will continue to carry with him the deep care he has had for Rockport and Camden residents for decades.  I'm honored to have had a chance to work with Randy and congratulate him on a job well done over this last 10 years in Rockport and wish him well in his retirement from the position of police chief.

"We are exploring our next steps for the position of police chief, but in Lt. Chris Young and Sgt. James Greeley, Rockport Police Department is well positioned to move forward with their leadership. However, Rockport and our neighbors must continue to look at long term opportunities where collaboration and regionalization can work and provide value to the property taxpayer."

Gagne said in his letter:

"After careful consideration and with a full sense of gratitude, I am writing to formally announce my retirement from the position of Chief of Police for the Camden and Rockport Police Departments, effective February 19, 2026.

"It has been an extraordinary honor to serve these communities and to lead the dedicated men and women of the both the Camden and Rockport Police Departments. Over the course of my 37-year career, I have witnessed tremendous challenges, meaningful progress, and countless acts of professionalism, courage, and service. I am deeply proud of what we have accomplished together and of the departments we continue to build.

"The decision to retire has not been an easy one. For 37 years I have served these communities to the best of my abilities. For those same years, my family has stood by and supported me 100%. I will never be able to repay them for their support. I can, however, reduce my role in policing and work slowly towards full retirement in the future.

"This change will allow me to spend more time with my wife, children, and my four grandchildren. I will also be able to spend most summer days lobstering and perusing other interests. I have accepted a position with the Rockland Police Department which will allow me to do just that during my final years in policing. I thank the Rockland Police Department, and the City of Rockland for this opportunity.

"I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the elected officials, Town leadership, community partners, and especially the officers and civilian staff who have worked tirelessly in service to public safety. Your commitment, integrity, and support have made my service both meaningful and rewarding.

"As I transition into retirement from this role, I do so with complete confidence in the leadership and personnel of these departments and with gratitude for the trust placed in me throughout my tenure. I remain committed to assisting in a smooth transition in any way that may be helpful.

"Thank you for the privilege of serving as your Chief of Police. I will always be proud to have been part of these departments and communities."

Gagne assumed the position of Camden-Rockport Police Chief in 2016. In 2019, he was formally recognized by the 129th Legislature for his 30 years of service in law enforcement in Camden, and, since 2016, in Rockport.

In 2016, Gagne assumed the helm with the two-town departments — a first-ever collaboration of law enforcement leadership for Camden and Rockport.

Ten years ago, the town managers and select boards were not talking merger, but the concept of a two-town police chief had been tossed around before, going back to 2004 when the two towns broached the topic in a well-attended meeting in the Rockport Opera House meeting room.

“I am looking forward to it,” said Camden Police Chief Randy Gagne, June 27, 2016. “I think it is a great opportunity to see whether we can do this. I want to make sure the citizens are happy with the service.”

The agreement between Camden and Rockport had been modeled on the interlocal police agreement between Bar Harbor and Mt. Desert. He and police department leadership (Rockport Sgt. Travis Ford, Camden Lt. Mike Geary, and Camden Sgts. John Tooley and Dan Brown) worked on the details of the agreement, he said.

Gagne owns a lobsterboat, Bella LaBoo and Malkie Drew, moored in Rockport Harbor. He and his granddaughter, Bella, continue the tradition of lobstering in Penobscot Bay during the warmer months. Meanwhile, Randy's wife, Richelle, continues in her position as mountain manager at the Camden Snow Bowl.

Reach Editorial Director Lynda Clancy at lyndaclancy@penbaypilot.com; 207-706-6657