METHUEN — A police captain with more than three decades of experience in Methuen will soon be leading the city’s police force until a permanent chief is chosen.
On Friday, officials announced that Captain James “Jamie” Moore will serve as interim chief upon the retirement of Police Chief Scott McNamara on Aug. 24, according to the mayor.
“Mayor Beauregard could not have chosen a better leader for this department,” McNamara said in a separate statement to the Eagle Tribune. “He has his finger firmly on the pulse of the organization and enjoys the full support of the men and women of the department. No one is more committed to the Methuen Police Department and the City of Methuen than our soon-to-be interim chief.”
McNamara, 56, is set to retire after five years as chief and more than three decades in public service next month.
Moore joined the city’s Police Department dispatch division in 1993, before later becoming an officer. He currently leads the department’s Special Services and Professional Standards Bureau, the release indicates.
“Captain Moore is an exceptional leader who has dedicated over three decades of his career to serving the people of Methuen,” said Mayor D.J. Beauregard.
“He is deeply respected within the department and throughout our community, and I have complete confidence in his ability to provide steady leadership during this transition.”
Moore has been involved with the department achieving accreditation, policy development, officer training and organization, the release indicates.
He was described as a leader with “deep integrity, genuine empathy,” with a “fierce commitment to his role,” in a social media post by the department announcing his appointment. The department also referred to Moore as “a skilled communicator with high emotional intelligence.”
While searching for a new permanent chief, officials will consider internal and external candidates. Beauregard previously said he plans to hire a professional search firm.
McNamara was a captain in the Lawrence Police Department when he was appointed by former Mayor Neil Perry to serve as Methuen’s police chief in 2021.
“I appreciate his willingness to step into this important leadership role and provide the stability and continuity our department and community deserve while we conduct a thorough search for our next permanent chief,” Beauregard said.
McNamara’s departure comes as he reaches full retirement eligibility.
“I fully support Mayor Beauregard’s choice and will sleep well knowing the department will be left in Captain Moore’s capable hands upon my departure,” McNamara said.