I read the Aug. 7 story about Chief David St. Pierre‘s retirement with dismay. The article, “Lewiston police chief to step down in September,” did not do justice to St. Pierre’s three decades of distinguished service to the city of Lewiston and his many accomplishments as chief of the Lewiston Police Department.

Several news organizations featured articles about St. Pierre‘s retirement, highlighting his many accomplishments and the headlines stated that he was retiring. The Sun Journal headline merely stated that the chief will “step down.” “Step down” has a different connotation than retirement and can lead to speculation by readers.

I completed a full career with the Lewiston Police Department and was David St. Pierre’s supervisor when he was a young patrol officer. Even though he was just beginning his career, I was so impressed with St. Pierre that I felt he was clearly destined for a leadership position within the department.

For days, years and decades Chief St. Pierre has provided tireless and exemplary service to the city of Lewiston and its citizens. David St. Pierre has led the department through some of its most challenging times and his accomplishments are too numerous to list in this letter.

Anyone in the position of chief of police will face difficulties and criticism. It is deeply disappointing that instead of thanking Chief St. Pierre for his 33 years of dedicated service and congratulating him on his retirement, this reporter chose to quote contentious statements from a few people. David St. Pierre deserves better.

Larry Brown
Retired Sergeant, Lewiston Police Department
East Boothbay