The Maine Department of Public Safety has announced that Russell Gauvin, Chief of the Maine Capitol Police, will retire effective today, April 30. Chief Gauvin’s retirement is the result of an agreement he reached with the Department of Public Safety that prioritizes the transition to new permanent leadership for the Maine Capitol Police.
“It has been an honor to lead the Capitol Police for fifteen years, under three Governors, and to have the opportunity to serve alongside such talented men and women, both sworn and civilian, to keep the seat of Maine State government safe,” said Chief Gauvin. “I believe now is the appropriate time to step into retirement. My retirement will allow the important work of the Capitol Police to continue uninterrupted. I extend my deepest gratitude to the men and women of the Capitol Police for the honor of leading them.”
“The Maine Capitol Police serves an incredibly important role in the security of our state capitol,” said Commissioner Michael Sauschuck. “I appreciate Chief Gauvin’s 15 years of faithful service to the State, and we look forward to selecting a successor to lead this agency into the future.” Lieutenant Robert Elliot, a 33-year veteran of the Capitol Police who has been temporarily leading the Capitol Police, will continue to lead the force until a replacement is named.
The retirement of Chief Gauvin, who has been on paid administrative leave since January 19, 2021, and will remain on leave through his retirement date, follows a review of his social media use by the Bureau of Human Resources, a review that has now been closed. Per Maine State law, that review is subject to confidentiality as a personnel-related record.
You can read the separation agreement and general release here.
