~ Mason Police Department News

The Mason NH Board of Selectmen voted on April 28, 2026, to appoint Sergeant Richard Fortin as Chief of Police, following the recent and deeply felt passing of Chief Kevin Maxwell.

Chief Fortin has been serving as Acting Chief since February 2026, providing steady leadership and continuity for the department during a difficult time for the community.

With a law enforcement career spanning more than four decades, Chief Fortin began his service in 1985 with the Milford NH Police Department. Over the course of his tenure, he rose through the ranks to Senior Patrol Sergeant in 1991 and later Captain of the Operations Division in 2000, before retiring from full-time service in 2007.

Throughout his career, Chief Fortin has brought a depth of knowledge and dedication to every role he has held. His experience includes serving as a Field Training Officer, Hostage Negotiator, Accident Reconstructionist, and Crime Analyst. He has also contributed to the profession as an instructor at the New Hampshire Police Standards and Training Council, as well as a driving and certified skid car instructor. In addition, he has held leadership responsibilities in personnel deployment, budgeting, and union representation.

Following his retirement from Milford, Chief Fortin continued to serve the broader public safety community through his work with IMC/Central Square Technologies, where he trained approximately 250 police departments in the implementation and use of integrated dispatch, records, and jail management systems.

In 2015, Chief Fortin joined the Mason NH Police Department in a part-time capacity. Since that time, he has become a respected and valued presence within the community—known not only for his experience and professionalism, but for his kindness, approachability, and genuine care for the people he serves. In a small town like Mason, those qualities matter deeply, and they have earned him the trust and admiration of residents and colleagues alike.

Chief Fortin will continue to serve the Town of Mason in a part-time capacity. He has also served with the Bedford and Weare Police Departments during his distinguished career.

The Mason NH Board of Selectmen will hold a swearing-in ceremony at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at the Mann House, 16 Darling Hill Road, Mason, NH. Members of the public are invited to attend.