Police supervisor resigns, officer disciplined for ‘dialog’ (Printed Dec. 18, 2009)
By Suzanne Hodgson
Staff Writer
A Kennebunk police lieutenant resigned Dec. 2 following a pending internal investigation of allegations he violated the town’s fraternization policy, according to Kennebunk Police Chief Bob MacKenzie
Lt. Nicholas Higgins, a patrol commander and 11-year veteran, submitted his resignation, effective Jan. 1.
Another officer was disciplined “in concert with the department’s progressive discipline policy,” according to a prepared statement from MacKenzie.
“I engaged in personal dialog with a subordinate employee for emotional support while going through a divorce. In the best interest of moving the department forward, I decided to step aside,” said Higgins in an e-mail to the Post.
The investigation was called off after Higgins submitted his resignation.
MacKenzie said in the press statement he is “disappointed with the recent event, but is happy the situation has been resolved quickly as it is important to deal with such personnel issues swiftly so they do not cause a lasting distraction within the agency.”
A job opening that matches the description of Higgins’ patrol position has been posted on the police Web site.
MacKenzie said he hopes to fill the position by February.
Higgins was invaluable in bringing hands-on training to the department especially in the areas of “active shooter” training, according to MacKenzie’s press release. This type of training helps the police respond to an armed gunman scenario, which can be hard to learn in a classroom.
MacKenzie said he was “absolutely” surprised by the allegations because Higgins “was very dedicated to the department and did a lot of good for the agency and community.”
“He was very respected,” MacKenzie said.
Higgins said in the same e-mail, “I have thoroughly enjoyed serving and working with the citizens of Kennebunk for the last 11 years including all town officials, the Board of Selectmen and various town committees and will truly miss them going forward. I will also miss the professionals I worked with everyday at Kennebunk PD.”
Staff Writer Suzanne Hodgson can be reached at 282-4337, ext. 233.
Staff Writer
A Kennebunk police lieutenant resigned Dec. 2 following a pending internal investigation of allegations he violated the town’s fraternization policy, according to Kennebunk Police Chief Bob MacKenzie
Lt. Nicholas Higgins, a patrol commander and 11-year veteran, submitted his resignation, effective Jan. 1.
Another officer was disciplined “in concert with the department’s progressive discipline policy,” according to a prepared statement from MacKenzie.
“I engaged in personal dialog with a subordinate employee for emotional support while going through a divorce. In the best interest of moving the department forward, I decided to step aside,” said Higgins in an e-mail to the Post.
The investigation was called off after Higgins submitted his resignation.
MacKenzie said in the press statement he is “disappointed with the recent event, but is happy the situation has been resolved quickly as it is important to deal with such personnel issues swiftly so they do not cause a lasting distraction within the agency.”
A job opening that matches the description of Higgins’ patrol position has been posted on the police Web site.
MacKenzie said he hopes to fill the position by February.
Higgins was invaluable in bringing hands-on training to the department especially in the areas of “active shooter” training, according to MacKenzie’s press release. This type of training helps the police respond to an armed gunman scenario, which can be hard to learn in a classroom.
MacKenzie said he was “absolutely” surprised by the allegations because Higgins “was very dedicated to the department and did a lot of good for the agency and community.”
“He was very respected,” MacKenzie said.
Higgins said in the same e-mail, “I have thoroughly enjoyed serving and working with the citizens of Kennebunk for the last 11 years including all town officials, the Board of Selectmen and various town committees and will truly miss them going forward. I will also miss the professionals I worked with everyday at Kennebunk PD.”
Staff Writer Suzanne Hodgson can be reached at 282-4337, ext. 233.
Posted by Post Editor at 12/18/2009 1:20 PM 
Categories: Kennebunk
Tags: Suzanne Hodgson Kennebunk Public Safety
Categories: Kennebunk
Tags: Suzanne Hodgson Kennebunk Public Safety
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