THOMASTON – In the past 50 years, Select Board member Peter Lammert has seen blue come and go. Sometimes there was turmoil within the department, he said. Sometimes, neighboring police departments could not partner with each other. Yet, the attendance for John Palmer’s pinning ceremony, Monday, Aug. 12, 2024, proved that a community spirit is growing in and around the ranks.

The pinning ceremony for the new Thomaston police chief, John Palmer, was attended by multiple members of Thomaston PD, several members of Rockland PD, as well as representatives of the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, Damariscotta PD, and retired Thomaston Police Chief Tim Hoppe.

As soon as Palmer was called to the front for his pinning, the seated law enforcement in the rear of the room stood and clapped whole heartedly in recognition of the achievement.

That sense of community and community relationships may have helped Palmer earn his new position.

Palmer, who has been with Thomaston for a short time, yet has 18 year career in law enforcement, mostly with the KCSO, impressed the hiring committee with a sense of honesty and genuine altruistic nature, according to Town Manager Kara George.

“It is my privilege to stand before you tonight as we come together to celebrate an important moment in our community, in recognition of our police chief, John Palmer,” said George.

In her recommendation to the Select Board, George noted that Palmer demonstrated exceptional compassion for both the community and Thomaston Police Dept.

“His honesty and genuineness were evident throughout,” she said. “I believe he will excel as police chief and become a true community leader. His altruistic nature and level headedness are particularly impressive qualities that are essential to this role.”

Return comments from the hiring panel noted a demonstrated commitment to the position (he was a corrections officer at the Maine State Prison, and served six years in the U.S. Marines) as well as a desire to mentor other officers toward success in their own careers.

“Leading by example and teaching officers to be people,” Palmer told the hiring panel.

Other phrases mentioned included community oriented, open mindedness, and “wears his heart on his sleeve.”

“It was tremendous to see the blue that walked in here tonight,” said Lammert, “and I wish that they could do what they need to do without the problems that they ram into with others back then. I wish them all great luck in what they do in the future.”

Reach Sarah Thompson at news@penbaypilot.com