The Lewiston Police Department has a new leader.
Captain Mike Salada, the department’s second in command for the past three years, will be the town’s new police chief starting at the end of this week. He was officially sworn into the role at the Lewiston Town Board meeting on Monday.
“It’s very exciting,” Salada said. “I’m looking forward to continuing what Chief (Frank) Previte has done and continuing to move the department forward.”
Previte had previously announced his plans to retire last month, his last official day with the department being on Friday. The town board presented him a certificate of appreciation for his 28 years of service to the community, the last 10 as its police chief, the Village of Lewiston already did so back on May 19.
A former accountant born and raised in Lewiston, Salada first got involved in public service with the Lewiston Fire Company No. 1, volunteering there for 10 years and rising to the rank of assistant chief. In 2016, Previte reached out to him about an opening with the police and asked if he was interested.
Salada joined the department after taking a civil service test, which he took again last year in anticipation of Previte’s retirement. He credits learning under the soon-to-be former chief for the past three years in getting ready for the new role.
The annual salary for the Lewiston Police Chief is $93,513.36.
He wants to continue the department’s momentum in its growth, having 16 full-time and 14 part-time officers, and its work with the community and in the schools.
“It’s a no-brainer,” said board member John Jacoby. “He’s educated. He’s been in the service, He’s been in the fire service. I can’t imagine a better person to step up.”