Chief Ahern comes to us from Chelmsford, Massachusetts where he started his law enforcement career in 1994 and has been Chelmsford’s deputy police chief since 2014. Chief Ahern holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Anna Maria College and is a graduate of the 277th session of the FBI National Academy.

 

“I am excited for the opportunity to work alongside the men and women of the South Portland Police Department. As your new police chief, I am committed to build upon the already strong and trusted relationships with the community. I will work tirelessly in a collaborative effort to provide the professional police services South Portland residents have come to expect and deserve.” 

 

 

 

  

Deputy Chief Gerrish joined the department in November 2001, and has served more than six years as a sergeant and two as a lieutenant.

Deputy Chief Gerrish holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminal justice from Husson University and continued his training with the FBI, International Association of Chiefs of Police and South Portland Leadership Academy, among other organizations.

Since becoming a lieutenant in 2019, Deputy Chief Gerrish has commanded the Southern Maine Regional Crisis Negotiator Team, headed the department’s candidate recruitment team, overseen patrol functions and assisted in supervising, training and evaluating officers. He also founded the annual South Portland Police Department Awards Ceremony and pancake breakfast, where he and his sons can be seen cooking breakfast for the numerous attendees.

“It is an honor and a privilege to be selected as South Portland’s next deputy police chief. I am so proud of this department and the relationships that we have created with our community. I look forward to the opportunity to assist in strengthening these relationships, while continuing to aid our current officers, who are committed to serving and protecting our citizens, day in and day out.”