Scarborough Police on Monday announced the passing of former Chief Robert Moulton after a long illness.
Moulton began with Scarborough in 1977 as a reserve officer patrolling Higgins Beach, Prouts Neck and working details at Scarborough Downs and Beech Ridge Speedway.
He went full-time a year later.
During his career, Moulton also was a youth-aid officer working with school programs.
He was promoted to detective in 1981, involved in the creation of the Southern Maine Task Force comprised of investigators from a variety of southern Maine communities.
Moulton later became a patrol sergeant and then detective sergeant supervisor.
He was promoted in 1985 to lieutenant, second in command to Chief Tom Dixon.
Moulton made captain in 1994 and became chief five years later.
In an essay for the Portland Press Herald when he retired five years ago, he wrote, “As I prepare to leave a career I have had for over 44 years, I have been overwhelmed by the kind words and well wishes of so many people.”
“Chief Moulton was very well respected throughout Maine and beyond for his professionalism, leadership and compassion on many issues affecting policing during his career,” the department said in a statement Monday. “Our thoughts are with Chief Moulton’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
