ROCKLAND — Chris Young, previously detective sergeant with the Rockland Police Department, has been appointed as the agency’s new deputy chief. The position was previously held by Wally Tower, who retired in January.

Young's promotion was made official at a badge pinning ceremony Feb. 2 at the Rockland Police station.

With the traditions of the law enforcement community, there are only two times when a new badge is presented to an officer.The first is when graduating from the police academy and the second is a promotion.

During the ceremony, Young's wife, Bobbi, pinned the new badge on his uniform. Young was joined by his stepsons, Jaiden and Brandon, Chief Bruce Boucher and fellow officers of the department.

Young is a 19-year veteran of the department and was hired as a patrolman in 1996. He has held a variety of positions within the department, including field training officer, detective and crisis intervention team program coordinator. He is also a certified Maine Criminal Justice Academy Instructor.

Additionally, Young has been a member of the department's Bicycle Patrol Team and Harbor Patrol Unit.

Young attended Camden Hills Regional High School, Southern Maine Technical College and the Maine Criminal Justice Academy.

In a press release, Boucher said: "Young has lived and worked in this area all of his life. He is a dedicated professional, is respected by his peers, displays a strong work ethic and performs his duties consistent with the department values. I am fully confident that Chris will carry out this assignment at the same level that has distinguished his career at Rockland Police Department."

Sarah Shepherd can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com