Maine Capitol Police Chief Retires

Democrats “Cancel” Him Over His Personal Social Media Posts

By:  David Deschesne

Fort Fairfield Journal, May 5, 2021

AUGUSTA, Maine – The Maine Department of Public Safety announced  that Russell Gauvin, Chief of the Maine Capitol Police, has retired effective April 30, 2021. Chief Gauvin’s retirement is the result of an agreement he reached with the Department of Public Safety that prioritizes the transition to new permanent leadership for the Maine Capitol Police.

   “It has been an honor to lead the Capitol Police for fifteen years, under three Governors, and to have the opportunity to serve alongside such talented men and women, both sworn and civilian, to keep the seat of Maine State government safe,” said Chief Gauvin. “I believe now is the appropriate time to step into retirement. My retirement will allow the important work of the Capitol Police to continue uninterrupted. I extend my deepest gratitude to the men and women of the Capitol Police for the honor of leading them.”

   Chief Gauvin came under fire from Maine Democrats for posts he made on his private social media accounts, on his own time, this past January.  While Democrats claim to be the 'party of tolerance' and have preached over the years that we must all be tolerant of other people's opinions and views, it seems they only want tolerance toward those views and ideologies held by their own political party and seek to censor, bully and cancel out of circulation any opposing viewpoints.

   State Representative, Matthew Harrington (R-Dist. 19) said Chief Gauvin, “has done an admirable job.  He has behaved professionally and without favor toward the safety of every person working and visiting the Capitol.”

   Maine law allows state employees to express their opinions so long as they do not give the impression that they are speaking on behalf of the state or a state agency.

   “There is nothing in these private posts that suggests they were on behalf of a state agency,” said Rep. Harrington.  “The Chief's private opinions expressed through Facebook reactions and the sharing of articles and memes are his own and so long as he adheres to state use policies he should be free to express himself.”  

   But, ‘tolerant’ Democrats don't want to see it that way. 

   Lieutenant Robert Elliot, a 33-year veteran of the Capitol Police who has been temporarily leading the Capitol Police, will continue to lead the force until a replacement is named.