SCARBOROUGH — Being named harbormaster feels “like coming home” to Angelo Mazzone.

The position became available when Ian Anderson resigned after 2 1/2 years to move closer to his family in northern Maine.

Police Chief Robbie Moulton said Mazzone really “checked off all the boxes” in the department’s search for a new head of the multifaceted marine resources program, which includes enforcement, conservation and oversight of the harbor. 

“He loves boats and to be on the water (and is) very interested in the conservation end,” Moulton said of Mazzone. “He’s even helped write some of the town’s shellfish ordinances that are in place today.”

Mazzone began his new job last month, but is no stranger to the department or the town.

The Portland native previously worked his way through the public safety ranks to eventually become Scarborough’s deputy chief of police. After moving to Cape Cod to care for his parents for several years, he returned to Maine and served as assistant harbormaster in Portland.

“I was on the Police Department here for 20 years and one of my assignments, one of my pleasures, at the end was being in charge of the (marine resources) program,” Mazzone said. 

“We’re pleased to have him back,” Moulton said. “We think this position really fits him like a glove.”

A Sea Scout for almost 40 years, Mazzone said he’s more comfortable on water than he is on land. 

That, alongside his love for Scarborough, makes this Mazzone’s dream job.

“I think Scarborough has one of the best (police departments) in the state,” he said. “When I started here we were small, but developed into a full-service agency. Not many agencies hold a candle to Scarborough.”

A self-described “conservationist by nature,” Mazzone said he’s been encouraged by the work he’s seen put into improving the health and viability of Casco Bay.

“When I was a kid, if you stuck your arm in Casco Bay, you couldn’t see your hand,” he said. “Now you can and I’m really excited about that.”

Mazzone said he expects the most challenging part of the job will be “maintaining a balance” between recreational boaters and commercial fisherman.

“These guys are busy down here and there’s not a whole lot of room to work with, and the recreational boaters want to enjoy the resources as well,” he said, noting that he, too, is a recreational boater. “… I want to keep everyone happy.” 

Mazzone has also worked for Scarborough’s Fire Department, so he has really seen all aspects of public safety firsthand.

“I’ve been around a little bit,” he said with a laugh. 

Jocelyn Van Saun can be reached at 781-3661, ext. 183 or jvansaun@theforecaster.net. Follow her on Twitter @JocelynVanSaun.

Angelo Mazzone has returned to Scarborough to serve as harbormaster.