WATERVILLE — Detective Sgt. William Bonney has been named deputy chief of the Waterville Police Department, replacing Charles Rumsey, who leaves Tuesday to become of the Cumberland Police Department.

Bonney, 40, will take the position June 6 after working his way up through the ranks at the police department during his 18 years there. He started as a patrol officer in 1998.

Bill BonnEY

Staff file photo by David Leaming Waterville police Detective Sgt. Bill Bonney talks during a panel discussion about sexual violence issues on April 11. Bonney was named deputy chief Friday. At left is Kennebec County Sheriff Ryan Reardon, and at right is clinical social worker Jackie Dupont, the Ward 7 city councilor.

Waterville Detective Sgt. Bill Bonney, far right, talks to schools Superintendent Eric Haley, left center, Nov. 11, during the hearing to terminate Don Reiter, the principal at Waterville Senior High School. Bonney helped lead the police part of the investigation. Staff file photo by Michael G. Seamans

Bonney, who was named 2016 Police Officer of the Year by the Maine Association of Police, will earn an annual salary of $92,000.

In announcing the promotion Friday, police Chief Joseph Massey said five sergeants applied for the deputy police chief’s position and all were well-qualified so he was faced with a difficult decision. Bonney, he said, has held every position in the department and understands the four divisions, how they work and what is expected of each, which will help him to be successful as deputy chief.

Bonney, of Fairfield, said he is excited about the new opportunity.

“It’s very humbling,” Bonney said Friday. “There were five very good candidates that put in for the position and to be selected out of five, to be considered, it’s a great honor, and I’m looking forward to working together with the chief and city officials and the community to continue to make Waterville a great place to live and work.”

Amy Calder can be contacted at 861-9247 or at:

acalder@centralmaine.com

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