WORCESTER— By a lopsided margin, city police officers turned out their union of more than 30 years yesterday and voted to be represented by the New England Police Benevolent Association.

The vote was 252-19 for the Lowell-based association over the International Brotherhood of Police Officers. One ballot was cast for no union.

“The membership spoke loud and clear — it was time for a change,” said Officer Edward T. Saucier, current union president and a member of the union’s four-member executive board that voted unanimously earlier this week to endorse the association over the brotherhood. 

Officer Saucier declined to discuss why the brotherhood was so overwhelmingly rejected, saying the union wants to focus on the future.

“We appreciate the IBPO’s services over the 30-plus years,” he said, “but right now we’re looking forward to working with the New England Police Benevolent Association and the city administration.”

However, another executive board member said before yesterday’s vote that the departure of the brotherhood’s lawyer and contract negotiator, Richard K. Sullivan, for a law firm affiliated with the new union was a factor in the rank and file’s concern about staying with the IBPO.

Detective Thomas G. Daly, local secretary and executive board member called priceless the knowledge Mr. Sullivan had accumulated over 30 years as union counsel.

David E. Bernard, director of the brotherhood in Massachusetts did not return phone calls last night seeking comment.

The association, which represents 86 police departments in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, is part of the International Union of Police Associations.

The election, overseen by the state Labor Department, brought to an end a week of heavy campaigning by both groups. Officer Saucier called the 75 percent membership turnout “incredible.”

The police union has been without a contract since the last three-year agreement expired June 30. Bargaining was suspended during the run up to yesterday’s election but Officer Saucier said he expected negotiations to get under way as soon as the vote result is certified by the state which ordinarily takes about a week.

The Worcester executive board, elected by the rank and file a year ago, will remain in place, Officer Saucier said. “We were elected to a three year term and nothing about that is changed,” he said.