LaCroix Named UMaine Police Chief
Contact: Joe Carr at (207) 581-3571
ORONO — The University of Maine’s new police chief is a law enforcement veteran who worked in Florida for more than 30 years before relocating to Maine in 2008.
Roland LaCroix of Bangor moved to Maine to take a captain’s job in the UMaine police department. He became interim chief in April when Noel March was named U.S. Marshal for Maine.
UMaine Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Robert Dana says he appointed LaCroix to the chief’s job because of his leadership skills and appreciation for the law enforcement needs of a university community.
“Chief LaCroix brings a wealth of experience, the result of 33 years in law enforcement,” Dana says. “He also possesses the perspective and temperament that will allow him to continue to be an effective leader in our community, advancing the community policing principles that are essential to promoting a safe, healthy and productive campus environment.”
LaCroix served in Florida’s Orange County Sheriff’s office for 26 years, rising to the rank of commander, before taking the UMaine position. He started his law enforcement career with a five-year stint as a Florida state trooper. He is a U.S. Army military police veteran who also graduated from the University of Louisville Southern Police Institute Administrative Officer Course in 1998.
He was born in Wisconsin but moved to Florida at the age of 3. Lacroix graduated from Florida’s Rollins College in 1980, earning a business administration degree. LaCroix and his wife have two grown children, a son and a daughter.
This story was published in Saturday’s Bangor Daily News.
Editor’s notes: Chief LaCroix pronounces his name la-CROY. Photos of him are available upon request.