CAMBRIDGE — Mark K. Lewis was appointed as Chief of the Cambridge Police Department by the Mayor and City Council on Feb. 12, filling a vacancy which had been filled by Interim Police Chief Wayne Bromwell.

Mr. Lewis began his career with the Cambridge Police Department in 1988 and advanced through the ranks serving as a patrol officer, detective, corporal, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, major and then Interim Chief until his retirement in December 2017. He holds a Certificate in Criminal Justice Administration from University of Virginia and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, 233 Session.

The recruitment and search process produced a field of 46 candidates; finalists completed an exhaustive interview and assessment process. Mr. Lewis begins his appointment on March 1.

“We were fortunate to have such a large and qualified group of candidates, and the City is happy to see the Cambridge Police Department continue on such a positive course,” said City Manager Sandra Tripp-Jones.

Mayor Victoria Jackson-Stanley added, “The City thanks Wayne Bromwell for his service as Interim Chief, and we welcome back Chief Mark Lewis.” After the council meeting concluded, Chief Lewis spoke briefly about his goals. In addition to lowering the crime rate, he said in the Cambridge Police Department, “Training is the big thing,” as well as retention. “We want to keep the good, young officers,” he said.

He also explained that he had been required by state law to retire after his 30 years’ of service, taking at least a 45-day break. He was then able to return on a contractual basis.