Portland names new interim police chief

Robert Martin of the Portland Police Department briefs the media in 2019. He has been named the next interim police chief effective July 1. Ben McCanna/Staff Photographer

Robert Martin will replace interim police Chief F. Heath Gorham after his retirement at the end of the month, the city announced Thursday.

Martin, a 37-year veteran of the department, is currently serving as interim assistant chief.

City Manager Danielle West announced Gorham’s departure to the City Council last week.

Gorham has accepted a new position as a senior public safety consultant at a private consulting firm, the city said. He has led the department on an interim basis since November 2021 following the resignation of Frank Clark, who held the role for two years before leaving for a job in private security. Gorham has worked for the department since joining as a patrol officer in 2001.

“My time as interim chief was not without challenges,” Gorham said in a statement. “I am grateful for the dedication and professionalism of the Portland Police Department staff.”

Gorham said last week that he had not applied for the permanent job.

“This has not been an easy decision, but I knew when I made the decision not to apply for the chief’s job that at some point I would be leaving,” he said. “The only thing I ever wanted to be was a cop and I fulfilled that dream alongside some of the finest cops in our state and our country. I feel very fortunate for the opportunities the Portland Police Department has provided me and I am grateful for the friendships and partnerships we have built along the way.”

The city launched its search for a permanent chief in February and planned to begin reviewing applicants in March. But after the initial posting drew fewer candidates than expected, the city delayed the review process to draw more applicants. The online job posting, which lists a salary range of $135,000–$175,000, remains open.

Clark was earning a salary of $136,000 at the time of his departure, while Gorham earned $140,000.

The police chief is one of the top jobs in city government, reporting directly to the city manager and responsible for nearly 200 employees plus an additional 36 at the regional communications and dispatch center. The annual police budget tops $15 million.

“I’m thankful to Chief Gorham for his many years of dedicated service to the city, and for his leadership as interim chief,” City Manager Danielle West said in a statement. “The last few years have been extremely challenging with the pandemic and staffing vacancies, and he diligently worked to serve the members of our police department and community.”

“I am grateful to Chief Gorham for his willingness to serve as interim chief, and for his hard work and leadership during challenging times,” Mayor Kate Snyder said.