AUGUSTA — The Maine State Police Monday announced the promotion of a “seasoned homicide investigator” as the agency’s newest lieutenant, who will oversee a team of central Maine detectives assigned to the Major Crimes Unit in Augusta.

Jeffrey Love of Belgrade was promoted Monday in a ceremony at State Police headquarters in Augusta, according to Maine Department of Public Safety Spokesman Steve McCausland in a news release.

Maine State Police Chief Colonel Robert Williams said that in addition to overseeing the unit that investigates homicides and suspicious deaths, Love will supervise the two new detectives expected to be named later in the month to the new unsolved homicide unit that will work with the Attorney General's Office.

Love is a 17-year State Police veteran, and has been investigating homicides for the past 11 years. He was promoted to sergeant in 2011 and supervised the investigation of the disappearance of Alya Reynolds in Waterville. The toddler disappeared that same year. In his new role, Love will continue to oversee that investigation.

Love grew up in Winthrop and joined the State Police in 1998. His father, retired State Police Major Charles Love of Winthrop, once served in the same position that his son now holds.

CUTLINE --- Lt. Jeffery Love(on the right) takes his oath of office Monday from the Chief of the State Police, Colonel Robert Williams.

The second photo is Love on the left and Williams on the right holding Love's promotion certificate.