NASHUA — After more than 32 years with the Nashua Police Department, Chief Andrew Lavoie announced on Wednesday that he will retire on Aug. 1.

“Chief years are like dog years, man. They add up,” Lavoie told The Telegraph of his four-and-a-half-year stint leading the department.

“It’s been the honor of my professional life to be the chief of the Nashua Police Department,” Lavoie added.

The Nashua Police Commission also unanimously chose Deputy Chief Michael Carignan to become the city’s new chief when Lavoie’s tenure concludes.

“He’s been an amazing deputy chief and will be an even more amazing chief,” Lavoie said of his successor.

Lavoie said he has been doing this his entire adult life, since age 22. Although he said this is a big decision, he said it’s just time.

“It’s going to be nice to only have to worry about myself, rather than 235 employees,” Lavoie said.

Nashua Mayor Jim Donchess said he is sorry to see Lavoie leave because they have worked well together.

“Chief Lavoie did a great job as chief, and also throughout his entire career,” Donchess said. “He was a very solid professional police officer, and as chief he accomplished a great deal. He really attacked the opioid crisis from a law enforcement perspective by making many drug arrests. He’s established Nashua as a place where it is not a good place to deal illegal drugs. He’s also been very effective in reaching out to the community and making it known to anyone that the police department is a friend of every citizen and neighborhood, so he’s done a great job as chief.”

Aside from his career on the force, Lavoie he has also been involved in numerous community programs and services. His accomplishments include the forming of Nashua Community Conversations on Race and Justice. He has served on the Board of Directors for Bridges and the Nashua Exchange Club. He is also active in the Nashua Safe Stations program.

Carignan has held the deputy chief position for the past four years, and has been a member of the Command Staff since 2012, and a member of the department since 1993. During his 25-year career, Carignan has held a number of command assignments within the department which include the Uniform Field Operations Bureau and the Detective Bureau. Currently, he is also a member of the Board of Directors for Marguerite’s Place, Nashua PAL and My Brother’s Keeper.

“I think he’s established himself as a very capable police officer and a very capable leader,” Donchess said of Carignan.

“I wish nothing but the best to everyone,” Lavoie added. “I’m sure they’ll all be in great hands with Chief Carignan.”

Adam Urquhart may be contacted at 594-1206, or at aurquhart@nashuatelegraph.com.

Newsletter