AMHERST - Lifelong Amherst police officer Michael Kent has been appointed interim Amherst police chief, effective Friday.

The appointment of Kent - who began as a patrolman in 1981 and now holds the rank of captain- was announced on the Amherst town Web site Thursday. Police Chief Charles Scherpa retires early next week.

"Interim Chief Kent shall have all the powers and duties vested in the position of police chief and will serve in this interim position until the conclusion of the recruitment process and appointment of a police chief," said Town Manager Larry Shaffer, who made the appointment, on the Web site www.amherstma.gov.

Interviews of three internal candidates, including Kent, will be held Monday.

Visit www. GazetteNET.com later in the day for more details, or pick up a copy of Friday's print edition.