The search is over for a new Boothbay Harbor police chief. On Feb. 17, Doug Snyder was sworn in as the town’s new top cop. Snyder has worked as a Boothbay Harbor police officer for 6.5 years. During the ceremony, he told friends, family and co-workers he was excited to start a new chapter of his career. “I know there are many chapters ahead of me, and I feel prepared to tackle them all,” he said. “I want to grow this department. And I want to thank Julia (Latter, town manager), my wife Jessica, my family, friends who have give me the confidence and support to start this journey.”

Snyder is from Maryland and moved all around as a youth following his father in the U.S. Coast Guard. He later followed in his father’s footsteps and enlisted in the Coast Guard. Snyder was stationed in Boothbay Harbor from 2002 to 2006. He enjoyed his stay in the coastal Maine town so much, he wanted to join Boothbay Harbor Police Department. “There were no positions at the time, but I stayed in contact. In 2015, Sgt. Higgins told me they had several openings,” he said. 

Snyder decided to pursue a career in law enforcement as a way to make a contribution to the community. “It was a calling. The same as why I joined the Coast Guard,” he said. “Boothbay Harbor is such a wonderful community. I wanted to stay, and be a part of it. It’s just a big family out there.”

As the new chief, Snyder said his top priority is recruitment. The department has four jobs open. “I hope those vacancies are filled by summer. It’s a big challenge,” Snyder said.