A former Cranston Police officer has been chosen as the next chief of the Bristol Police Department.

Kevin M. Lynch’s selection for the post was announced Sept. 18 by Bristol Town Administrator Steven Contente.

Lynch retired from the Cranston Police Department in 2009 at the rank of commander. He served as part of the department’s command staff.

“During his time as the executive officer with the Cranston Police, Mr. Lynch oversaw many administrative duties, including the Office of Professional Standards, grant management, training, budgetary administration, and department adherence to national police accreditation guidelines,” reads a statement from Contente’s office.

After retiring from Cranston Police, Lynch became deputy director of the Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities and Carriers. He presently serves as that agency’s interim administrator.

“The Town of Bristol is working closely with Mr. Lynch to ensure a smooth transition from the Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities and Carriers to the Bristol Police Department,” Contente’s statement reads. “In the coming weeks, the Town of Bristol will announce a formal swearing-in ceremony, where the Change of Command will take place.”

Lynch additionally teaches courses in criminal justice studies at Roger Williams University, the Community College of Rhode Island and Bristol Community College in Massachusetts. He resides in Cranston with his wife, Lynn, who is a Cranston Public Schools teacher, and their two children, Justin and Cianna.