Auburn’s Crowell named Maine Police Chief of the Year

AUBURN — Auburn Police Chief Phillip Crowell Jr. has beennamed the state’s Chief of the Year by the Maine Chiefs of Police Association.
As a member of the Auburn Police Department for 24 years, Crowell is a state leader on a variety of public health safety initiatives.

He helped establish the new Maine Law Enforcement Accreditation Program, Auburn’s Citizen Police Academy, and the first Somali Citizens Academy. Crowell also played an active role in opening the Police Activities League (PAL) Center, which provides educational and athletic activities for kids after school and during the summer. He is the co-founder of “Not Here” — a grassroots effort to raise awareness about human trafficking and to help its survivors. In addition to being named Police Chief of the Year, Crowell has been named Officer of the Year from the National Exchange Club, and the City of Auburn’s “Champion for Maine Children 2014.”
“I am fortunate to have outstanding people within the police department who serve the citizen’s of Auburn. Law enforcement face challenges every day, and my wife and family know firsthand these impacts, and for this they are my true champions,” he said. “The City of Auburn has provided me with incredible opportunities, and I am blessed to be able to serve my community. This recognition as Chief of the Year is not just for me but also for my staff, family and community — without them I couldn’t do what I do.” Sen. Susan Collins, R-Mai ne, recently met with Crowell in her Washington, D.C., office, when he was there for the National Narcotic Officers Association Coalition conference.
“It was a pleasure to congratulate Chief Crowell on this distinguished and well-deserved recognition,” she said. “Having led a number of public safety initiatives, including co-founding an effort to end human trafficking, help survivors, and provide education for at-risk children, and helping the department become the first in Maine to earn the ‘Gold Standard Accreditation,’ Chief Crowell is truly worthy of being named Chief of the Year.”