Caribou promotes sergeant to police chief

CARIBOU, Maine — Caribou has chosen an experienced sergeant to be the city’s new police chief.

Corey Saucier began his duties Tuesday, according to a press release from City Manager Penny Thompson. He replaces outgoing Chief Michael Gahagan, who announced his retirement in May after 51 years with Caribou Police Department.

A Fort Kent native, Saucier first joined the Caribou Police Department in September 2008 and later graduated from the Maine Criminal Justice Academy. In 2015, he joined the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Office, gaining experience as a detective and deputy. After returning to the Caribou Police Department in October 2019, he was promoted to sergeant two months later.

Prior to his law enforcement career, Saucier graduated from Fort Kent Community High School in 1993. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and then worked at a local lumber company.

In May 2024, the Maine Chiefs of Police Association honored Saucier with its Life Saving Award for his actions that helped dozens of apartment building residents escape harm during a January 2023 fire at 7 Water St.

“I am confident that as Chief of Police, Corey Saucier will use his considerable law enforcement knowledge, leadership skills and professional expertise for the benefit of the Caribou community,” Thompson said.

Thompson did not state what Sauciers salary is but said that the position was advertised with a $85,000 to $90,000 annual salary range.

Saucier said he hopes to use his experiences in law enforcement to enhance public safety in Caribou.

“I will work diligently with our department’s officers, our city council and our city manager in making the Caribou Police Department a proud service to our citizens of Caribou,” Saucier said.

Correction: An earlier version of this report misstated when Corey Saucier graduated from the Maine Criminal Justice Academy.